Performing Battles in Naqqali: A Comparative Study of Master Saeedi’s and Master Torabi’s Performances of the Second Wrestling Scene Between Rostam and Sohrab
Document Type : Original Article
Author
Assistant Professor of Damghan University, Iran
Abstract
The "Sohrab-Killing" scene, depicting the second wrestling battel between Rostam and Sohrab, is one of the most significant scenes in Naqqali. This study compares the performances of two master Naqqals, Master Saeedi and Master Torabi, analyzing how they interpret and distinguish their storytelling styles. Both Naqqals aim to provide a unique experience for the audience by combining verbal narration and gestures. The research explores their use of depictive and functional gestures, following Müller’s (2024) model of co-speech gesture analysis. Torabi uses concrete depictive gestures to vividly portray the physical combat, emphasizing external aspects like the role of fate, symbolized by the "wheel of fortune", in Sohrab's demise. In contrast, Saeedi employs a broader range of gestures, including functional and abstract depictive gestures, which focus on Sohrab’s resistance to Rostam and metaphorically represent his death as a tree felled by the wind. The findings reveal that while Torabi’s style centers on tangible and action-oriented storytelling, Saeedi’s performance highlights emotional and philosophical dimensions, offering a reflective interpretation of the epic. By analyzing their distinct emphases, this study provides deeper insights into Naqqali's staging techniques, showcasing the versatility of gestures in interpreting national epics. Both Naqqals’ approaches reflect their mastery and creativity, making them influential figures for younger storytellers and demonstrating the evolving methods of performance in Naqqali, which continue to balance tradition and innovation.
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