Tazeh Theatre Group
Tazeh Theatre Group was born in 2011 in the vibrant heart of Tehran. We were students from different universities, brought together somewhat by chance by a shared passion to create a theatre group.
For us theatre is more than a performance; it is a live, communicative form. We aim to create spaces where performers and audiences are active participants, and where theatre encourages reflection on simple yet important questions of life in a responsible way. We see theatre as a living social fabric, bringing diverse voices together and enabling change through curiosity and engagement.
Our commitment goes beyond the stage. Through educational tours across Iran and a private festival for theatre students, we inspire and support the next generation of theatre-makers, providing a platform for experimentation, creativity, and growth.
At the core of Tazeh, there are five of us: Navid Mohammadzadeh, Hootan Shakiba, Ashkan Kheilnejad, Yousef Bapiri, and Arman Koochaki.
Awards:
- Abdulhossin Noushin Medal for Best Theatre Group of the Year 2019
Awarded by the Iranian Theatre Forum Critics, Writers & Researchers Association in 2020, recognizing our outstanding contributions to Iranian theatre.
Navid Mohammadzadeh
Actor, Voice Actor, and Teacher
Navid Mohammadzadeh is the lead actor of Tazeh Theatre Group. From his student years, he has pursued a passion for narrative theatre, taking on a variety of psychologically complex characters within the company. He gained recognition through his performance in Ruined, which opened doors for him in Iranian cinema.
As a film actor, Navid is known for the authenticity and depth he brings to leading roles in social dramas. He won Best Actor at the Venice Film Festival (Horizons) for his performance in No Date, No Signature, and appeared at the Cannes Film Festival for Leila’s Brothers.
Beyond performing, Navid is also an educator. He helps students discover their abilities, emphasizing bold and believable performances, and produces student theatre productions and projects by young filmmakers, providing a space for artistic growth.
Follow him on Instagram: @navidmohammadzadeh.
Check his filmography on IMDb: Navid Mohammadzadeh – IMDb.
Hootan Shakiba
Actor, Voice Actor, and Teacher
Hootan Shakiba is a key performer in Tazeh Theatre Group. His work with the company emphasizes experimentation and collaboration, taking on roles ranging from Hamlet (Act III, Scene IV) to documentary projects such as Hootan’s Death.
Beyond Tazeh Theatre Group, he has appeared in a variety of films and television productions. His role in When the Moon Was Full earned him the Crystal Simorgh for Best Actor at the Fajr Film Festival.
Hootan is also recognized for his voice acting, bringing characters like Bache in TV series Mehmooni to life.
In workshops, he teaches emerging performers to use their natural voice and bring authentic depth to their characters.
Follow him on Instagram: @hootanshakiba for insights into his acting career.
Check his filmography on IMDb: Hootan Shakiba – IMDb”
Ashkan Kheilnejad
Dierctor and Instructor
Ashkan Kheilnejad is one of the founders of Tazeh Theatre Group. Within the company, he has directed main productions and pursued personal projects in other mediums, including the short film Dress Rehearsal and the film essay Freshman and Me.
His experience across diverse artistic fields, including contemporary dance and musical theatre, has led to collaborations in Nightmares and Memories of a Bath Attendant (2015), Oliver Twist (2017), and the reality TV show Carnaval, shaping the style and impact of Tazeh productions.
As the lead instructor in directing and dramaturgy at Tazeh Theatre Atelier, he mentors selected works in the Tazeh Festival, helping them reach public stages in Tehran. (Learn more in the About section.)
Follow him on Instagram: @ashkankheilnejad.
Yousef Bapiri
Director and University Instructor
Yousef Bapiri is one of the founders of Tazeh Theatre Group. In addition to creating documentary works such as Comment and Oslo, he has explored contemporary theatrical forms in other company productions, including Mehri (A Journey – Performance) and Aks-ol-amal (Reaction – Lecture Performance), consistently pushing the boundaries of contemporary theatre.
Alongside his work with Tazeh Festival, Yousef has contributed academically as a curator, jury member, and executive manager, bringing scholarly insight and connecting students with the company’s work.
His educational work is not limited to the Tazeh Theatre Atelier; he also teaches directing and theory courses at the University of Tehran, Art University of Tehran, and Soore University, mentoring emerging performers and helping them develop their thesis projects.
Follow his on Instagram: @yousefbapiri.
Arman Koochaki
Designer, Idea Developer, and Teacher
Arman Koochaki is the lead graphic designer of Tazeh Theatre Group. He shapes the group’s visual identity through productions, posters, and promotional materials, transforming theatrical narratives into compelling visual experiences.
His work extends beyond Tazeh, including over 50 posters for films, documentaries, and short works. Projects such as Finding Farideh, Sound and Fury, and Lantouri inform and enrich the visual approach he brings to the group, combining his individual style with Tazeh’s collective identity. He has received awards at the Fadjr and Shamse Theatre Festivals as Designer and Photographer of the Year.
In addition to his design work, Arman mentors students in stage design and the integration of image, space, and performance. He has also served as a consultant for major events, including the Iran International University Theatre Festival.
Follow him on Instagram: @armankoochaki.
Tazeh Theatre Festival
“A Society Born of the Future”
Inspired by the Women, Life, Freedom movement, the festival was launched independently in Winter 2024. It provides a safe and creative space for students at the Tazeh Theatre Atelier to present their performances freely, without restrictions or censorship.
The festival showcases bold and experimental student works, giving participants the opportunity to explore contemporary performance forms. Its goal is to practice collaboration and dialogue while building a dynamic network in today’s Iranian theatre.
Participation & Experience
- After each performance, prominent critics lead feedback sessions for participants and audiences.
- Participation is free of charge, and no cash prizes are awarded; all costs are covered by the educational courses held throughout the year.
- Instead of conventional categories like directing or acting, festival trophies recognize collective achievements.
- Selected works become part of the annual performance repertoire of Tazeh Theatre Group and are staged in informal spaces.
