Performance, taziyah and audience

In this study, in the light of Performance Theory, while the importance of Iranian taziyah is demonstrated, the relationship between this theory and taziyah is aimed to state and also the historical, political and cultural aspects are studied. Moreover the performance and theatrical aspects of this ritual are shown with a new point of view. In this thesis, after the three concepts which are performance, ritual and theatre are explained in parallel to the thesis subject, the term taziyah will be explained in details. In addition, the relationship between the audience and the performer are studied. In this study, the audience's participation to the play and also faith issues are interpreted and the aspects of this ritual performance are studied on the basis of Richard Schechner's Performance Theory. Furthermore, the corresponding energy between the audience and the performer as a mental and physical activity is revealed by analyzing the concepts of ritual and performance which include taziyah as well. Both the individual and the social transformation caused by this correspondence are mentioned.