TEHRAN "Every artist is in fact doing political work, for, an artist can not be separated from politics. An artist should not follow a particular political line. An artist can have a positive influence on political trends in society," said renowned cinema and theater actress Roya Teymourian.

According to a report from the Art Bureau of the Islamic Propagation Organization, Teymourian, who is currently performing in the play "Ma'rekeh in Ma'rekeh" (written by Davoud Mirbaqeri and directed by Siavosh Tahmoures) said that art is accompanied by politics, for the artist deals with the human spirit, society, sorrow, happiness and the suffering of the people.

She added that she is a free artist who works with every script which is beautiful, adding that she only performs in plays which are neither politically oriented nor reactionary.

As for the current artistic atmosphere in Iran after the 2nd Khordad (1997), Teymourian said that certain changes have happened since 1997, but since there are different concepts of freedom, we need more time to realize the proper and correct form of freedom in society.

Teymourian further said that there is a dangerous line between decadence and freedom. If there is no clear boundary and no framework in this connection, it will lead to decadence, and democracy will not yield a good result for us.

She added that today's artistic situation is neither negative, nor acceptable. We should wait for the proper form of freedom. The trend of freedom firstly influences cultural issues, and for this reason artists bear a heavy responsibility in this regard.

In regard to women's status in theater, Teymourian said that women, due to their sensitivity, face more problems than men in the field of theater. However, she added that currently, due to the better situation and access to different roles, women can innovate more in their work.

Teymourian said that theater is culturally richer than television and cinema and for this reason women's roles are more meaningful in theater.

As for the staging of the play **** Ma'rekeh in Ma'rekeh ****, she said that this is one of the most powerful works of Davoud Mirbaqeri. It is about the struggles of poor men.

**** Ma'rekeh in Ma'rekeh **** depicts the traditional atmosphere of our society, Teymourian said.