The Festival Guidelines
Performance Requirements
Group Composition:
Each performance group must consist of two performers.
Scripts:
Scripts are provided by the TPN writer team.
The theme for all performances is “Women and Freedom.
Accessories:
Performances should use minimal accessories to maintain focus on the actors and the narrative.
Performance Duration:
Each performance must be a maximum of 10 minutes.
Performers and Groups
The first TPN Festival featured a remarkable lineup of talented artists, organized into 11 groups, each consisting of two performers. These dedicated performers brought to life scripts provided by TPN, all centered around the compelling theme of “Women and Freedom.” Through their powerful and evocative performances, they delivered thought-provoking narratives that resonated deeply with audiences.
Each group showcased their unique interpretation of the theme, using minimal accessories to ensure the focus remained on the actors and the story. The 10-minute performances highlighted the performers’ ability to convey profound messages within a limited time, demonstrating their skill and creativity.
These artists not only entertained but also sparked meaningful discussions on important social issues, making a lasting impact on everyone who attended. Their dedication and talent were instrumental in the festival’s success, setting a high standard for future TPN events.
Here is the list of performers:
Line: Farzad Nazari Moghadam, Parastoo Najafi
Dejavu: Alireza Mirza , Lean Jafari
The Roadside Resturant: Ehsan Salami & Maryam Mahdavi
Directed by: Reza Nasirzadeh
Cashier: Atoosa Moshashayi & Meysam Akbari Zareh
Poison: Nika Zahedi & Soroush Sorkhani
Three to five minutes: Ali Abdi, Sepideh Dibadin
London: Kiarash Nili, Sharareh Razmjoo
Stronger: Azadeh Chavoushi, Parmis
The sea of Chaos: Mojgan Farajzadeh, Naghmeh Azadi
Charactor Theory: Reza Arzhang, Parastoo yadollahi
An inner Crisis: Mohammad M. Tavakoli, Saghar Beheshti
Jury
The TPN Festival jury is comprised of five distinguished professionals, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise from different areas of the performing arts. This diverse panel ensures a comprehensive evaluation of each performance, covering all critical aspects of theatre production.
These esteemed jury members bring their unique perspectives and extensive experience to the festival, helping to identify and celebrate the most outstanding talents and performances. Their combined expertise ensures that the evaluation process is thorough and balanced, honoring the diverse elements that contribute to exceptional theatre.
The jury’s commitment to excellence and their diverse backgrounds play a crucial role in maintaining the high standards of the TPN Festival, ensuring that each performance is judged fairly and with a deep appreciation for the art of theatre.
Here is the list of jury members:
After watching all the performances and engaging in deep discussions, the jury awarded the Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Performance titles. These awards recognized the exceptional talent and dedication of the artists, highlighting the standout contributions to the festival. The jury’s commitment to excellence and their diverse backgrounds play a crucial role in maintaining the high standards of the TPN Festival, ensuring that each performance is judged fairly and with a deep appreciation for the art of theatre.
TPN Academy
The TPN Academy is comprised of Persian artists from around the world who are masters in various areas of performing arts. This distinguished group of professionals brings a global perspective to the festival, ensuring that the performances are evaluated with a deep understanding of cultural and artistic nuances.
Academy members watch the performances online, providing a unique opportunity for global participation in the festival. Their expertise covers a wide range of disciplines, including acting, directing, playwriting, stage design, and more. This diverse expertise allows for a comprehensive assessment of each performance, ensuring that all aspects of the production are considered.
The TPN Academy’s role is to vote and determine the recipient of the Best Academy Performance Award. This award is highly coveted, as it represents the collective judgment of some of the most talented and respected figures in Persian performing arts. The academy’s evaluation process is rigorous, reflecting their commitment to excellence and their passion for supporting and celebrating outstanding talent in the Persian theatre community.
Here is the list of TPN Academy members:
Organizers: MYFA
MYFA is a prominent organization dedicated to advancing the arts and cultural enrichment. As the organizer of the Toronto Performance Night (TPN) Festival, MYFA brings a wealth of experience in marketing, financial management, and full-scale production.
Our mission is to support artists and create meaningful cultural experiences. With expertise in producing reality shows, films, and series, we are committed to showcasing diverse artistic expressions and bridging cultural gaps.
Through the TPN Festival, MYFA aims to highlight Persian theatre in Canada, providing a platform for talented artists and engaging the community. Our goal is to make the TPN Festival an annual highlight that celebrates artistic excellence and fosters cultural dialogue.
Venue
The Toronto Performance Night (TPN) Festival is held at the Meridian Arts Centre, a premier theatre hall known for its top-notch facilities and exceptional acoustics. The venue offers an ideal environment for high-quality performances, accommodating up to 550 in-person attendees.
Each year, the festival takes place over three showtimes, with each session featuring all 11 performances. This format ensures that every show is presented in its entirety to all audience members, enhancing the overall experience.
To make the event accessible to a broader audience, all performances are equipped with English subtitles, allowing both Persian and Canadian viewers to fully engage with the content. The festival also includes a glamorous red-carpet event, adding a celebratory touch.
In addition to the live experience, the festival is streamed online, significantly extending its reach. Last year, over 3,432 viewers watched the performances via online streaming, demonstrating the festival’s impact beyond the physical venue. This combination of a prestigious location, inclusive presentation, and extensive online coverage ensures that the TPN Festival successfully connects with and captivates a diverse audience.
Media
The Toronto Performance Night (TPN) Festival has garnered significant media attention, reflecting its impact and importance in the cultural landscape. The event was covered by prominent outlets including BBC, Gooya Toronto, ITCTV, and many other local media channels.
This extensive media coverage highlights the festival’s reach and relevance, showcasing its role in celebrating Persian theatre and engaging a diverse audience. For detailed coverage and to view the media features, please visit the following link:
Prize Winners
Jury Awards:
Winners: Naghme Azadi and Azadeh Chavooshi
Best Actress: Awarded to the most outstanding female performer, recognizing exceptional talent and portrayal in the festival's performances. The jury decided to award two acresses who are equally shine on the stage.
Winners: Alireza Mirza and Mohammad M. Tavakoli
Best Actor: Given to the most impressive male performer, highlighting excellence in acting and character representation. The jury decided to award two acresses who are equally shine on the stage.
Winner: Three to Five Minutes by Ali Abdi and Sepideh Dibadin
Best Performance: This accolade is bestowed upon the performance that demonstrated superior artistic quality and creativity, as judged by the festival's expert jury.
Winners: Naghme Azadi and Azadeh Chavooshi
Best Actress: Awarded to the most outstanding female performer, recognizing exceptional talent and portrayal in the festival's performances. The jury decided to award two acresses who are equally shine on the stage.
TPN Academy Award:
Winner: Dejavu by Alireza Mirza and Lean Jafari
Best Performance: Selected by the TPN Academy, this award honors the most exceptional performance as determined by a panel of esteemed Persian artists from around the world.
People's Choice Awards:
Winner: The Sea of Chaos by Mojgan Farajzadeh and Naghmeh Azadi
Best Performance: This award is determined by combining votes from both online viewers and in-person attendees, recognizing the performance that resonated most with the audience.
Special Moment: Bahram Beyzaie
With all respect, we have dedicated the TPN’23 to Bahram Beyzaie. Beyzaie is a seminal figure in Persian performing arts, renowned for his work as a playwright, theatre director, screenwriter, and film editor. His innovative approach to Persian theatre and cinema, blending traditional elements with modern storytelling, has profoundly influenced the Iranian cultural landscape. By honoring Beyzaie, we aim to celebrate his contributions and inspire future generations of artists.
Bahram Beyzaie is a highly influential figure in Persian performing arts, celebrated for his extensive contributions as a playwright, theatre director, screenwriter, and film editor. Born in 1938, Beyzaie’s career spans several decades, during which he has directed numerous stage plays and films, blending traditional Iranian storytelling with contemporary themes.
Beyzaie’s work is known for its innovative approach to Persian theatre and cinema, often incorporating indigenous artistic and ritual forms. His plays and films explore cultural narratives with an emancipatory aesthetic, challenging social norms and offering profound insights into Iranian society.
One of Beyzaie’s significant impacts on Persian performing arts is his focus on strong female protagonists. His works often highlight the struggles and strengths of women, providing a nuanced portrayal that has been instrumental in transforming the representation of women in Iranian theatre and cinema.
Furthermore, Beyzaie’s influence extends beyond his creative output. He has been a mentor and teacher, shaping the careers of many young artists and filmmakers. His academic contributions and public lectures have enriched the understanding of Persian arts and its global significance.
By reformulating Iranian cinema and theatre, Bahram Beyzaie has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, making his work essential in the study and appreciation of Persian performing arts.
Volunteers
TPN’23 featured an exceptional workshop that was instrumental in preparing our performers for the stage. Conducted by the highly esteemed Andy Massingham from the Toronto Film School, this workshop was provided free of charge for all performers, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to benefit from his expertise.
Andy Massingham, known for his dynamic teaching methods and extensive experience in the performing arts, led the workshop with a series of innovative and engaging activities. These activities not only enhanced the performers’ skills but also boosted their confidence and readiness for the festival. His dedication and hands-on approach were evident as he worked closely with each participant, addressing individual needs and fostering a supportive environment.
This workshop was a vital part of TPN’23, contributing significantly to the high quality of the performances. We are immensely grateful to Andy Massingham for his invaluable contribution and to the Toronto Film School for their support in making this workshop a memorable and enriching experience for all involved.
Workshops
The TPN Academy is comprised of Persian artists from around the world who are masters in various areas of performing arts. This distinguished group of professionals brings a global perspective to the festival, ensuring that the performances are evaluated with a deep understanding of cultural and artistic nuances.
Academy members watch the performances online, providing a unique opportunity for global participation in the festival. Their expertise covers a wide range of disciplines, including acting, directing, playwriting, stage design, and more. This diverse expertise allows for a comprehensive assessment of each performance, ensuring that all aspects of the production are considered.
The TPN Academy’s role is to vote and determine the recipient of the Best Academy Performance Award. This award is highly coveted, as it represents the collective judgment of some of the most talented and respected figures in Persian performing arts. The academy’s evaluation process is rigorous, reflecting their commitment to excellence and their passion for supporting and celebrating outstanding talent in the Persian theatre community.