A Maternal Epic on Stage at the Academy of Arts: A Rare Ta’zieh Depicting the Tribulations of Hazrat Umm al-Banin (SA)

On the eve of Arbaeen, the Academy of Arts will host a unique and lesser-known performance of ta’zieh centered on the heroic figure of Hazrat Umm al-Banin (SA)—a mother whose name is eternally linked with sacrifice and loyalty in Islamic history.

According to rahbordbazar, quoting goodnewsagency, the Aemmeh At’har Ta’zieh troupe, led by Esmaeil Mojalli, will perform two ta’zieh sessions titled The Tribulations of Hazrat Umm al-Banin (SA) and The Noon of Ashura on Tuesday, Mordad 30, at the Ravaq-e Honar hall of the Academy of Arts. The event will be held from 17:00 to 20:00 at the Academy, located on Vali-Asr Street, below Taleghani Crossroad.

As announced by the Public Relations Office of the Academy of Arts, the ta’zieh titled The Tribulations of Umm al-Banin (SA) is based on a rare and lesser-known manuscript in both oral and written histories of this ritual art. Compiled and reinterpreted by Esmaeil Mojalli, a performer and scholar of ta’zieh, the script has significant literary and historical value, especially given the absence of definitive information about its poet. Mojalli notes that the poetic language of the piece dates back to the 13th century AH and is rich in structure and expression.

This performance portrays the mourning of Hazrat Umm al-Banin (SA)—mother of Hazrat Abbas (AS)—for her martyred son in the tragedy of Karbala. The ta’zieh reflects the deep sorrow of a mother who, despite her grief, never wavers in her commitment to sacrifice for the sake of faith and loyalty. Acts of kindness, such as helping the needy and charitable deeds in memory of the martyrs, also feature in this spiritual performance, which is staged as if in the sacred grounds of Baqi Cemetery.

Hosting such events in the heart of the capital not only honors authentic religious traditions but also serves as a key step in introducing the lesser-known dimensions of ta’zieh to today’s generation. Revisiting the role of women in the epic of Ashura—especially through the lens of the loyalty, patience, and perseverance of Hazrat Umm al-Banin (SA)—can be a turning point in strengthening a culture of resilience and spirituality in society.