"From Gaza to Minab" Theatrical Performance Held at the Cultural Counsellorship of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka

On the evening of Wednesday, 26 August 2026 (4 Shahrivar 1405), the theatrical performance "From Gaza to Minab" was staged at the Cultural Counsellorship of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka.

The performance was written and directed by Mortaza Abdul Bari, with guest performances by Mashika Methmini, Hiroopa Kithmina, Kavishka Lochana, Sadeepa Wickramage, Visura Padeniya, and Nipuni Sharada.

The play drew upon real-life accounts, letters, personal statements, and testimonies from journalists and witnesses to present a narrative concerning the events in Gaza and Minab. The performance focused on the suffering of children affected by violence and transformed the stage into a meeting point between two painful narratives: the children of Minab and the children of Gaza.

The production also addressed broader themes related to the impact of power structures, disregard for human dignity and rights, and the humanitarian consequences of violence against civilians.

At the conclusion of the performance, Mr Mortaza Abdul Bari, the writer and director of the play, referred to the tragic story of the children of Minab and spoke about the importance of confronting injustice and avoiding indifference towards human suffering.

In his remarks, Mr Ali Kebriaei Zadeh, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Sri Lanka, expressed appreciation to Mr Abdul Bari and all members of the artistic team for addressing what he described as one of the most significant issues concerning human conscience, ethics, and international humanitarian principles.

He stated that the suffering of innocent civilians, including women and children, in Gaza represents a serious humanitarian tragedy and referred to the loss of innocent lives in Minab as another painful example of the consequences of violence against civilians. He emphasized that confronting such tragedies and preserving the dignity and rights of human beings remain important responsibilities for the international community.

The performance conveyed a central message to the audience: that the memory of innocent victims cannot be erased and that truth cannot remain hidden forever beneath the ruins of conflict.

The production served as a tribute by Sri Lankan artists to children who no longer have the opportunity to return to their classrooms—the children of Minab and Gaza—whose stories and memories were brought together on the stage through the language of art.