A few days ago, the troupe of the theatrical production "Shahnameh: The Tale of Zal" returned to Bulgaria, after taking part in the 40th anniversary edition of the Fajr International Theater Festival in Tehran. The Bulgarian play opened the international program of festival.The participation of the Bulgarian theatrical company in Iran is part of the cultural dialogue between the two countries, whose bilateral relations have a 125-year history.

The play is inspired by the Persian epic "The Book of Kings" by the poet Abul-Kasem Ferdowsi, which is included in the UNESCO list of masterpieces of the oral and intangible heritage of humanity, says director Elena Panayotova. She adds that the epic chronicles the pre-Islamic history of Iran and the entire Persian culture. The troupe has had 3 performances in Tehran in Bulgarian, but with Farsi subtitles. "The Iranian audience was very impressed. They said that we have accurately portrayed their ancient language, their gestures," actress Ralitsa Stoyanova told BNR.

On Sunday, March 6, the Bulgarian audience can watch the performance "Shahnameh: The Tale of Zal" at the Azaryan Theatre in the National Palace of Culture in Sofia.

Compilation: Vesela Krusteva

English: Elizabeth Radkova