Ashkan Kheilnejad
Ashkan Kheilnejad (b. 1989) is an outstanding figure in Iranian experimental theatre, known for his innovative exploration of theatrical forms and dedication to contemporary practices. His journey began at the University of Tehran in 2008, where he first collaborated with theatre groups such as ‘Nowadays Theatre Company’ as both actor and assistant director. This early immersion in the profession led to the founding of the Tazeh Theatre Group in 2011, a collective of forward-thinking theatre students eager to explore new creative methods and challenge traditional boundaries.
Kheilnejad’s directorial debut with ‘Whose Life Is It Anyway?’ (2011) and ‘Whispers Behind the Battle Line’ (2012) quickly attracted attention, signified him as one of the promising directors of his generation. His innovative vision in performing new plays and storytelling earned him recognition from the Iran International University Theatre Festival (IIUTF) and the Iranian Theatre Forum (ITF) Directors’ Association – milestones that propelled his career to heights.
In 2013, Kheilnejad deepened his artistic practice through studies at Tarbiat Modares University, expanding his repertoire into physical theatre and other experimental forms. His production, ‘Act III, Scene iv’ (2015), at the 8th APB Theatre Schools Festival under UNESCO in Singapore showcased his evolving style and marked a turning point in his international perceptibility. His scholarly contributions, such as the presentation of ‘Private Theatre’ at the 2017 International Seminar on Non-Governmental Theatre Capacities, further secured his role as an Iranian researcher.
Kheilnejad’s academic and professional growth led to key collaborations, where he served as assistant director for the big production ‘Nightmares and Memories of a Bath Attendant’ (2015) and as artistic consultant for ‘Oliver Twist’ (2017), enhancing his expertise in musical theatre.
Arguably, the peak of his career was with his direction of the new play ‘The History Boys’ (2017) and the short film ‘Dress Rehearsal’ (Talghin) (2018), both of which earned him reputable recognitions from the Fadjr International Theatre Festival (FITF) and the Iran Film Critics & Writers Association.
As the COVID-19 pandemic altered the artistic landscape, Kheilnejad adapted by creating educational initiatives such as Tazeh Theatre Atelier and Senior Theatre Camp, nurturing emerging Iranian talent and developing diverse voices in the field of arts. His commitment to new perspectives was further obvious during the ‘Women, Life, Freedom’ movement, where he and the Tazeh Theatre Group organized underground festivals, challenged censorship and fostered a supportive community for artists to express themselves freely.
Currently based in Tehran, Kheilnejad continues to innovate and maintain his independence within the field of theatre through ongoing research, workshops, and experimental productions. His recent 7-hour bold performance of ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ exemplifies his relentless pursuit of creative expression, further fixing his status as an important figure in the evolution of Iranian theatre.
Educations
M.A. in Directing
Department of Directing & Acting, Faculty of Arts & Architecture, Tarbiat Modarres University, Tehran, Iran.
B.A. in Acting
School of Performing Arts & Music, Faculty of Dramatic Arts & Music, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Awards
Abdulhossin Noushin Medal for Best Theatre Group of the Year 2019 Awarded to Tazeh Theatre Group, Iranian Theatre Forum Critics, Writers & Researchers Association, Tehran, Iran.
Best Fiction Short Film for ‘Dress Rehearsal’ (Talghin), Iran Film Critics & Writers Association Award, Mazandaran, Iran.
Special Jury Prize for ‘Dress Rehearsal’ (Talghin), 9th Varesh International Film Festival, Mazandaran, Iran.
Best Costume Design and Best Interaction between Director and Set and Costume Designers for ‘The History Boys’, 2nd Tehran International Symposium, Tehran, Iran.
Grand Prize for ‘Dress Rehearsal’ (Talghin), 62nd Youth Cinema Regional Festival, Kermanshah, Iran.
Best Performance of the Year for ‘The History Boys’, the Critics, Writers and Researchers Association of the Iranian Theatre Forum (ITF), Tehran, Iran.
Three Awards for Best Director, Best Stage Design, and Best Play for ‘The History Boys’, Fadjr International Theatre Festival (FITF), Tehran, Iran.
Best Director of the Year for ‘Whispers Behind the Battle Line’, Iranian Theatre Forum (ITF) Directors’ Association, Tehran, Iran.
Best Director for ‘Whose Life Is It Anyway?’, Iran International University Theatre Festival (IIUTF), Tehran, Iran.
Articles
Published Article: “A Survey on Relations of the State and Theatre in Post-Privatization Period Considering Theatre Productions of Non-State Institutions in Iran (11th Government)”, in the Proceedings of the International Seminar on the Potential of the Independent Sector in Theatre, Tehran, Iran.
This article examines the relationship between government and non-governmental theatre institutions in Iran, focusing on the effects of privatization on theatre productions.
Published Article: “Comparative Study of Identical and Non-Identical Elements in Theatre and Tele-Theatre Through a Semiotic Approach”, Peresented at the International Conference of Theatre Studies, 17th Iran International University Theatre Festival (IIUTF), Tehran, Iran.
This research explores the similarities and differences between theatre and tele-theatre, analyzing them through semiotic theory.
Presentations
The Speaker at the session: ‘The Challenges of Directing in Contemporary Iranian Theatre’, Iranshahr Theatre, Tehran, Iran.
The Speaker at the session: ‘Third Encounter: Directors in Rehearsal’, Rooberoo Mansion, Tehran, Iran.
The Speaker at the session: ‘Iran Playwritings: Connections/ Disconnections’, 37th Fadjr International Theatre Festival (FITF), Tehran, Iran.
Journal Contributions
Editor of ‘Specialized Playwriting Journal’ (Namayesh Nameh), Vol. 9 and 10, Iranian Theatre Forum (ITF) Playwrights Association, Tehran, Iran.
Author: “Ganjeh,” in ‘Tajir Journal’, Vol. 1 and 2, ASSITEJ Iran, Tehran, Iran.
Author: “Behind the Windows,” in ‘Specialized Playwriting Journal’ (Namayesh Nameh), Vol. 1–10, Iranian Theatre Forum (ITF) Playwrights Association, Tehran, Iran.
Editor of ‘Theatre Quarterly’ (Namayesh), Vol. 44, Iran Dramatic Arts Association, Tehran, Iran.
Film Releases
Release of ‘The History Boys’ (Theatrical Film) on Tiwall Platform, Tehran, Iran.
DVD release of ‘Whose Life Is It Anyway?’ (Theatrical Film), Published by Beethoven Center, Tehran, Iran.
DVD release of ‘Whispers Behind the Battle Line’ (Theatrical Film), Published by Beethoven Center, Tehran, Iran.
Jury Experience
Navid Independent Theatre Festival (1st & 2nd Editions), Jury Member, Stage Theatre Competition, Tehran, Iran.
Shahrzad Private Theatre Festival (2nd Edition), Member of the Selection Committee, Stage Theatre Competition, Tehran, Iran.
Hormozgan Theatre Festival (33rd Edition), Jury Member, Fadjr International Theatre Festival Regional Selection, Bandar Abbas, Iran.
Khoramshahr Liberation Theatre Festival (22nd Edition), Jury Member, Short Stage Theatre Competition, Hormozgan, Iran.
Dah Short Film Festival (4th Edition), Member of the Selection Committee, Screenplay Cometition for Production Funding, Tehran, Iran.
Alborz Theatre Festival (9th Edition), Jury Member, Fadjr International Theatre Festival Regional Selection, Karaj, Iran.
Simorgh Theatre Festival (10th Edition), Jury Member, Stage Reading Competition, Tehran, Iran.
Akabar Radi Festival (1st Edition), Member of the Selection Committee, Monologue Competition, Tehran, Iran.
Iran International University Theatre Festival (IIUTF) (21st Edition), Jury Member, Stage Theatre Competition, Tehran, Iran.
Tajrobeh Theatre Festival (16th Edition), Member of the Selection Committee and Jury Member, Stage Theatre Competition, Tehran, Iran.
Shamseh Theatre Festival (2nd Edition), Member of the Selection Committee, Stage Theatre Competition, Tehran, Iran.
Memberships
Iranian Theatre Forum (ITF) Optimization Committee, Member during organizational restructuring by the new team, Tehran, Iran.
Assisted in key changes as part of the new board team with Alireza Naderi, Asghar Dashti, and Hamid Pourazari.
Iran University Theatre Circle, Member during my university years, Tehran, Iran.
Played a key role in organizing Molavi Theatre performances and events, supporting university theatre productions, and contributing to an engaging and collaborative theatre environment.
Theatre Society Tehran University, Member during my Bachelor’s, Tehran, Iran.
Led and participated in various theatre projects at Tehran University, including organizing workshops and events, and collaborating with professors to develop productions.
Tehran University’s Center for Experimental Theatre (Tajrobeh Theatre Center), Member during my early university years, Tehran, Iran.
Developed skills in organizing the Tajrobeh Theatre Festival, collaborating with other theatre faculties in Iran, and coordinating students to utilize group facilities.
Executive Works
Executive Committee Member of ‘Fadjr Plus’ Section, 34th Fadjr International Theatre Festival (FITF), Tehran, Iran.
Director of the Closing Ceremony, 17th Iran International University Theatre Festival (IIUTF), Tehran, Iran.
Executive Director of 7th Selection of the Iranian Dramatic Literature Awards, Iranian Theatre Forum (ITF) Playwrights Association, Tehran, Iran.
Director of the Welcoming Ceremony for New Students, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran.
Designer and Executive Director of the Elites Commemoration Ceremony for Dr. Shimi, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Tehran University, Tehran, Iran.
Director of the Closing Ceremony of the ‘Shanbehaye Molavi’ Stage Readings, Molavi Theatre, Tehran, Iran.
Director of the Commemoration Ceremony for Hamid Samandarian, Molavi Theatre, Tehran, Iran.
Executive Director of the First ‘Amordad’ Repertory, Molavi Theatre, Tehran, Iran.