From Nasser Taghvai (TALES OF KISH), one of the original filmmakers of the Iranian New Wave, comes his latest documentary, DRESS REHEARSAL: THE BRAVE HURR?S TA?ZIEH. This rare glimpse into Iranian culture chronicles the pe... more »rformance of a ta?zieh, an ancient and uniquely Iranian passion play that celebrates the glory of martyrdom for the sake of justice. Based on the life stories and fables of Islam?s prophet Mohammad, but influenced by Iranian folklore, the ta?zieh became the sole dramatic form in the world of Islam after the rise of the Shiite sect. The overall subject of any ta?zieh is the martyrdom Imam Hussein, grandson of the prophet Muhammad, in the desert of Karbala. Among the Imam?s comrades, each of whom is the subject of a specific ta?zieh, the story of the Brave Hurr assumes a singular place. Originally the enemy of the Imam, Hurr does an about-face after he meets the holy leader, and then joins forces to fight with him. Generally performed on the streets or in open venues, the ta?zieh "is the only original dramatic art of the Islamic world," proclaims director Taghvai.« less