Central BookCity marked the commemoration day of Abolqasem Ferdowsi—author of the Shahnameh and one of Iran’s foremost epic poets—with a special performance by Elaheh Tajik, a judge at a national naqqali festival. The programme celebrated naqqali, Iran’s ancient tradition of dramatic storytelling. Ferdowsi Commemoration Day is observed in Iran on 15 May, alongside Persian Language Day.
At the beginning of the session, Tajik, who has also performed before the President of Iran, explained the fundamental differences between naqqali and Shahnameh-khani, or the recitation of the Shahnameh, in language accessible to children. She then performed the familiar story of the meeting of Rostam and Tahmineh in the naqqali tradition, before narrating passages from the epic stories of Siavash and Rostam.
The performance was distinguished by Tajik’s rhythmic delivery, compelling diction and command of changes in pitch, tone and dramatic intensity. Combined with lively interaction and the children’s active involvement in the unfolding story, these techniques held the young audience’s attention through to the end of the programme.
Tags: BookCity, Central BookCity, Ferdowsi, Naqqali, shahnameh
