By Mohsen Mirza Ali and Ali Nari

 

Naqqali - professional storytellers who perform the Iranian epic, Shahnama (Book of Kings) written by Ferdowsi (900 AD – 1020 AD). Traditionally performed in the Qahvekhane or coffee house or on special occasions such as during Ramazan, Noruz or during the winter months. It is the oldest form of dramatic performance in Iran and the stories are narrated in verse or prose accompanied by gestures and movements, sometimes instrumental music and painted scrolls. Naqqali is on the Intangible Heritage list of UNESCO

 

In keeping with the Iranian tradition, the performance of Naqqali is being held on the Winter Solstice

 

(Collaboration: Iran House of Culture)