Iranian actor Jamshid Mashayekhi calls for freedom of expression and pen for artists

Iranian actor Jamshid Mashayekhi calls for freedom of expression and pen for artists
Semnan, Aug 22, IRNA-The prominent theater and cinema actor Jamshid Mashayekhi on Monday referred to freedom of expression and pen as the major request of the national art community from the new minister of culture and Islamic guidance.
Speaking on the sidelines of the closing ceremony of the Pupils Performance Art Festival, he added that what is meant by freedom is not the type that would be detrimental and harmful to the community.
He told IRNA that the artists call for the type of freedom that would not leave a negative impact on the community.
Mashayekhi urged that the artist should have the freedom to observe the problems and difficulties facing the community and present proper solutions.
"An artist should teach a lesson to the public through his/her artwork and provide individuals with guidelines that would help them find the way leading to truth.
"Any artist merely working for fun and material concerns is not a true artist," he added.
He underlined that in order to promote art, in particular theater, training should be provided at early age and continue throughout the school years.
Turning to the Performance Art Festival as a new event, he explained it as a serious festival organized by the Ministry of Education and that teachers actually encourage the pupils to take part in it.
The actor said that in this type of festivals the prizes are awarded without being partial to keep the participants satisfied.