The city of Sari, enjoying a 6000 year old civilization, is hosting artists who play a key role in the traditional art; however Siah-bazi and traditional plays are vanishing in Iran but such a festival is a window toward hope which can make the art flourish again.
The first festival of Siah-bazi was held some seven years ago by late master of Siah-bazi Saadi Afshar and Mohammad Jounian in Mazandaran Province. Now the veterans of the dramatic performing art have once again gathered to give a new life to the play.
Mohammad Jounian, the secretary of the festival, said that Siah-bazi holds its old roots in Iran and it is performed in other countries based on their culture. Studies say the art launched in Iran after the advent of Islam.
