Pantea Bahram's "Arash-Khani" Performance Canceled

The "Arash-Khani" (Arash-Reading) program featuring Pantea Bahram, which was scheduled to be performed based on the play Arash by Bahram Beyzai, has been canceled.

Pantea Bahram announced the cancellation of the program by publishing a text on her Instagram page, writing: "Our Arash-Reading was canceled; after all, 'Arash' is best kept silent; you can ask Vanak Square about this."

The play Arash is one of the most well-known works by Bahram Beyzai, written with inspiration from the myth of Arash the Archer. Over the years, it has drawn the attention of artists in various formats, including play readings and stage performances. The cancellation of the latest program related to this work has once again brought the issue of cultural and artistic restrictions in Iran back into the spotlight.

The cinema and theater actress did not provide further details regarding the reason for the cancellation, though she had previously reported the imposition of professional restrictions against her. In July 2024, the artist announced that the security department of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance had banned her from working and teaching.

During the 2022 nationwide protests, Pantea Bahram also defied the compulsory hijab in solidarity with the protesters and in protest against the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police. Following that, reports were published regarding the filing of a judicial case and the imposition of career restrictions against her.