Tazeh Theatre Group

Navid Mohammadzadeh

Actor, Acting Teacher, and Producer
Born: April 6, 1986, in Ilam, Iran.
Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Sadra University, Tehran (2006–2011)

Career Highlights:
Navid Mohammadzadeh is a highly acclaimed Iranian actor and a permanent member of the Tazeh Theatre Group, celebrated for his dynamic performances in over 40 professional theatre productions. He has collaborated with some of the most prominent theatre directors in Iran, including Atila Pesyani in Romeo and Juliet and Mohammad Yaghoubi in Winter of 88, contributing significantly to his success and recognition in the theatre community.

His remarkable work extends to Iranian cinema and international films, with notable roles in Leila’s Brothers by Saeed Roustayi, No Date, No Signature and Beyond the Wall by Vahid Jalilvand, Sheeple by Houman Seyyedi, and the Actorseries by Nima Javidi.

Awards and Recognition:
Navid’s exceptional talent has garnered numerous awards, both domestically and internationally. He has received prestigious accolades, including the Best Actor award at the 74th Venice Film Festival (Horizons) and recognition at the 11th Asia Pacific Screen Awards, the 19th Bratislava International Film Festival, and the 22nd Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival in Estonia.

Teaching and Production:
In addition to his acting career, Navid is dedicated to education and empowerment. He conducts Self-Esteem acting workshops that inspire confidence and creativity in aspiring actors. As a producer, he showcases selected works at the Iran International University Theatre Festival (IIUTF), actively contributing to the development of the next generation of theatre artists.

Follow him on Instagram: @navidmohammadzadeh.

Check his filmography on IMDb: Navid Mohammadzadeh – IMDb.

Hootan Shakiba

Actor, Voice Actor, and Teacher
Born: June 14, 1984, in Sanandaj, Iran.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Directing, Soore University of Tehran (2001–2008)
• Master’s Degree in Theatre Acting, Art University of Tehran (2012–2015)

Career Highlights:
Hootan Shakiba is a renowned Iranian actor, voice actor, and educator with over two decades of experience in the performing arts. As a core member of the Tazeh Theatre Group, he has collaborated with prominent directors in Iran, including Nader Borhani Marand and Hassan Majouni, participating in notable productions such as Romulus the Greatand The Cherry Orchard. His dedication to theatre has been recognized with numerous awards from prestigious festivals, including the Fadjr International Theatre Festival and the Hamedan International Theatre Festival for Children and Young Adults.

Film and Television:
In addition to his theatrical accomplishments, Hootan has made significant contributions to Iranian cinema and television. His notable credits include When the Moon Was Full and Pinto by Narges Abyar, Conjugal Visit by Omid Shams, Bachelors (TV Series) by Soroush Sehhat, and Set Me Free by Shahram Shah Hosseini. His exceptional performances have garnered him accolades, including the Best Male Actor award at the 37th Fajr Film Festival and the 20th Hafez Awards.

Voice Acting:
Hootan is also celebrated for his work as a voice actor, particularly as the beloved character “Bache” in the popular TV series The Party by Iraj Tahmasb. His versatility in voice acting has allowed him to connect with audiences across different media platforms.

Teaching and Mentorship:
Passionate about education, Hootan leads the “Actors’ Voice Training” workshop and is actively involved in mentoring aspiring actors. He also works as a radio announcer and lends his voice to various audiobooks, further enriching the field of performing arts.

Connect with him on Instagram: @hootanshakiba for insights into his acting career.

Check his filmography on IMDb: Hootan Shakiba – IMDb”

Ashkan Kheilnejad

Director, Designer, Actor, and Instructor
Born: January 7, 1989, in Karaj, Iran.

Education:
• Bachelor of Arts in Theatre (Acting), University of Tehran (2008–2013)
• Master of Arts in Theatre (Directing), Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran (2013–2016)

Career Highlights:
As a multidisciplinary artist, Ashkan Kheilnejad has received numerous accolades in both theatre and short films, including awards from the Fadjr International Theatre Festival (FITF) and the Iran Film Critics & Writers Association Award. His innovative works, including independent and experimental theatre, have established him as a significant figure in the Iranian theatre landscape, with impactful productions such as The History Boys and The Brothers Karamazov.

Academic Contributions:
Ashkan is deeply invested in education, fostering collaborative learning environments at various art universities across Iran. He actively engages with students through initiatives like ‘Performative Inquiry’ and ‘Senior Theatre Camp’, mentoring them in their research and productions. His commitment to nurturing emerging artists highlights his belief in the transformative power of theatre. Additionally, he has experience judging student works at the ‘Tajrobeh Theatre Festival’, emphasizing his role in supporting the next generation of theatre practitioners.

Collaborative Roles:
Beyond teaching, Ashkan has played vital roles in various notable Iranian theatre projects, offering assistance, consulting, and coaching in acting for musical and large-scale productions, such as Oliver Twist. He has also contributed as a screenplay consultant for several film projects, showcasing his versatility in the arts.

Stay updated with his work on Instagram: @ashkankheilnejad.

(To learn more about Ashkan Kheilnejad’s work and contributions, please visit the biography section.)

Yousef Bapiri

Director and University Instructor
Born: January 28, 1981, in Bookan, Iran.

Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Directing, Soore University, Tehran (2006–2012)
• Master’s Degree in Theatre Directing, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran (2012–2015)

Career Highlights:
Yousef Bapiri is a distinguished Iranian theatre director and academic known for his commitment to documentary theatre, addressing significant social and cultural themes. He has directed more than 10 theatrical productions in Tehran, including significant works such as Viran (Ruined), Comment, and Aks-ol-amal (Reaction). His innovative explorations in documentary theatre have profoundly impacted the experimental theatre landscape in Iran.

Teaching:
In addition to his directing career, Yousef is a respected university instructor at institutions such as the Art University of Tehran, Pars University of Art and Architecture, and Sepehr Art University of Isfahan. He has conducted over 20 theatre workshops across Iran, sharing his expertise with students and emerging theatre professionals.

Contributions to Theatre Community:
Yousef has actively contributed to the Iranian theatre community, serving as a jury member, executive manager, and consultant for key theatre events, including the Fadjr International Theatre Festival, Tajrobeh Theatre Festival, and the University Theatre Institute of Iran Performance Art Center. He also supervises graduate theatre students as a thesis advisor, nurturing the next generation of artists and scholars.

Follow his journey on Instagram: @yousefbapiri.

Arman Koochaki

Designer, Idea Developer, and Teacher
Born: July 4, 1990, in Tehran, Iran.

Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre, Set, and Costume Design, Tonekabon University (2008–2015)

Career Highlights:
Arman Koochaki is a distinguished designer and creative force within the theatre and visual arts community. He has developed the visual identity and graphics for over 100 professional theatre productions in Tehran, successfully translating narratives into compelling visual experiences. His design work has also extended to more than 50 posters for films, documentaries, and short films, showcasing his versatility across various mediums. Notable productions he has contributed to include films such as Finding Farideh, Sound and Fury, and Lantouri, as well as works that push the boundaries of theatrical design.

Expertise and Contributions:
In addition to his design expertise, Arman is actively engaged in artistic management and the creation of organizational identity. He has served as a consultant and expert for major events, including the Iran International University Theatre Festival, enhancing the overall artistic vision and experience of these gatherings.

Awards and Recognition:
Arman’s innovative contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including awards at the Fadjr International Theatre Festival and the Shamse Theatre Festival, where he was honored as Designer and Photographer of the Year.

Check out his designs on Instagram: @armankoochaki.