Janati ‘Ata’i, Iraj

Jannati ‘Ata’i, Iraj (b. 1946), Iranian distinguished lyricist, playwright, and director hailing from Mashhad, residing in Tehran, Mashhad, and London. He studied dramatic arts at the University of Tehran and theater and sociology at Chelsea College, London. He was a co-founder of the Mazdak theatrical troupe. He was awarded the literary prize of Furugh Farrukhzad for the artistic and social value of his lyrics. He was also awarded a prize in 1972 for his sincere endeavors for propagation of thought and culture through music, but he declined it protesting the dominant method of selecting the candidates. He is a distinguished lyricist in the contemporary history of lyricism for his memorable lyrics, e.g. Gul-i Surkh (Red Flower); Jangal (Forest); Khunih (Home); Bunbast (Dead End); Darya’i (Marine); Yavar-i Hamishih Mu’min (Ever Loyal Support); Mara bih Khanih’am Bibar (Take me home); Giryih Nakun (Don’t Cry); Sitarih-ha-yi Surbi (Leaden Stars); Tulu’ Kun (Arise); Raziqi Parpar Shud (Arabian Jasmine Withered). His lyrics are marked by his poetical idiom, novelty of imagery, and centrality of social issues. Avoidance of slogans, believing in certain, and obvious standards have rendered his social lyrics immortal. Some of the most lyrical compositions of the history Persian music, Pul (Bridge) and Khabam ya Bidaram (Am I asleep or awake?) bear his signature. His mastery of contemporary literature and the compositions of poets like Akhavan Thalith and Shamlu have imbued his lyrics with novel feelings and a modernist idiom. Such modernism and efforts aiming at experiencing novel domains have led to creation of elegant lyrics, heard in the albums Shab-i Nilufari (Morning Glory Night) and Yik Qatrih-yi Darya (A Drop of the Sea). He is a distinguished playwright as well. His memorable plays include Promitih dar Ivin (Prometheus at Evin [Penitentiary]); Rustami Digar, Isfandiyari Digar (Another Rustam, another Isfandiyar); Parvanih’i dar Musht (A Butterfly in Fist); Raft u Bargasht (S/he departed and came back). He also wrote film scripts, i.e. Dar Qafas Kardan-i Bad (Confining the Wind in a Cage); Taranih Mamnu’ (No Lyrics!); Duzhkhim (Executioner); and Panah Dadan bih Dushman (Granting the Enemy Asylum), for the British Film Institute, One Eyed Dog, and the BBC. His published collections of plays, lyrics, and other poetical compositions include: Wa Angah Ah Iy Firishtih (And Then Oh! O Angel! Collection of poetry); Sugnamih barayi Tu (Elegy for You; play); Shikastan va Rastan (Break and Deliverance; play); Fakhtih-yi Dahan Dukhtih (Beak-Sewn Cuckoo; play); Khurshid-i Shab (Night Sun; selected English works); Rustami Digar, Isfandiyari Digar (Another Rustam, Another Isfandiyar; play); Parvanih’i Dar Musht (Butterfly in Fist; play); Zimzimih-ha-yi Yik Shab-i Si Salih (Whispers of a Night as Long as Thirty Years; selected lyrics); Promitih dar Ivin (Prometheus at Evin [Penitentiary]); Raft u Bargasht (S/he departed and came back).