A new theatrical production, “Passing in Esfand,” highlights the tragic events surrounding the February 28 strike on a school in Minab, Iran, which claimed the lives of numerous students and local residents. Originating from the concerns of playwright Sobhani Minabi, the drama seeks to preserve the memory of the victims and convey the lasting impact of the incident on the community through a cultural lens.

The play focuses on the stories of Makan Nasiri, one of the students killed during the attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh School, and Mahmoud Gholamiani, a 35-year-old local resident who lost his life while attempting to rescue trapped children in the aftermath of the strike. Nasiri’s family continues to grapple with uncertainty regarding the recovery of his remains, underscoring the ongoing suffering experienced by those affected.

On the day of the strike, Gholamiani entered the debris following the initial attack to help extract survivors. After rescuing one child, he returned to assist others but was killed in a subsequent strike, along with additional civilians. The incident resulted in the deaths of 168 students and other residents, leaving a profound scar on the community.

“Passing in Esfand” was developed as an artistic tribute to those lost in the tragedy, incorporating regional traditions and cultural elements from Hormozgan province. The production aims not only to recount the events but also to situate them within the social fabric of Minab, illustrating how the community memorializes its collective trauma through theater.

The play is currently featured in the 20th International Resistance Theater Festival, representing Hormozgan province in the main competition section. It is being staged through October 10, with nightly performances limited to an audience of 74. By blending personal narratives with broader cultural contexts, the production endeavors to foster remembrance and reflection on the consequences of the strike within the local and wider public sphere.