Exploring the Capacities for Theatrical Adaptation of the Oral Tales of the Lak Ethnic Group: A Case Study of Three Tales from the Jalavand Tribe

Abstract

The oral tales of the Lak ethnic group, as part of Iran’s intangible cultural heritage, possess considerable performative capacities; however, no systematic study has yet addressed the possibility of their theatrical adaptation. This article aims to explore the capacities for theatrical adaptation of the oral tales of the Lak ethnic group by examining three tales from the Jalavand tribe, namely “Nobat-e Shuvān,” “Galeh Daru,” and “Chelleh-ye Zemestān.” The research method is qualitative and descriptive-analytical in nature, and the data were collected through semi-structured interviews with five narrators selected from among the trusted elderly members of the Jalavand tribe, as well as through library research. The findings indicate that the tales of the Jalavand tribe have the capacity for theatrical adaptation, though not in a faithful and word-for-word manner. The strongest capacity in these tales is concentrated in “ritualistic atmosphere-building” and “multilayered conflicts.” The major weakness of these tales is observed in their limited dialogic potential, which can be compensated for by adding a “narrator-actor.” The conclusion is that the oral tales of the Jalavand tribe, despite their non-dramatic structure in some cases, have the potential to be transformed into effective dramatic texts through creative re-creation.