Amirreza Koohestani was invited to take a lead at XXXIIIe École des Maîtres

Iranian director and playwright Amir Reza Koohestani was invited to take a lead the 33rd L’ÉCOLE DES MAITRES.

 

L’ÉCOLE DES MAITRES is an advanced theatre training project initiated by Franco Quadri in 1990. Its educational objective is to develop a relationship between young actors, trained in European drama schools, already active as professionals, and renowned directors from the international scene (Angelica Lidell, Tiago Rodriguez, Christiane Jatahy, Marcial Di Fonzo Bo, Anne-Cécile Vandalem for the latest editions).

                                   

Amir Reza Koohestani, born on June 8, 1978, in Shiraz, Iran, is one of the most renowned contemporary Iranian directors and playwrights. Passionate about literature from an early age, he published his first short stories in local newspapers at the age of 16. Initially drawn to a career in film, he later turned to theater, where his distinctive voice and storytelling talent earned him international recognition.

 

In 2001, Amir became artistic director of the Mehr Theatre Group in Tehran. His major work, Dance on Glasses (2001), marked a decisive turning point and was internationally acclaimed, establishing him as a key figure in contemporary theater. He has since produced numerous critically acclaimed works, including Recent Experiences (2003), Amid the Clouds (2005), Dry Blood & Fresh Vegetables (2007), Quartet: A Journey North (2008), Where Were You on January 8th? (2009), and Hearing (2015). His plays are distinguished by their poetic narratives, subtle critique, and exploration of personal and political themes.

 

Far beyond writing and directing, Amir is also involved in the transmission of knowledge. He leads workshops at prestigious institutions such as La Manufacture (On Narratives and Aesthetics in Contemporary Theater), CIFAS (Workshop 2016: Building a Theater from Personal Narratives), and the International Forum of the Berliner Festspiele, thus fostering innovation and exchange in contemporary theater creation. These commitments reflect his dedication to nurturing creative talent and advancing the global artistic community.

 

His plays have been presented at renowned festivals, including the Avignon Festival, the Kunstenfestivaldesarts, and Under the Radar (New York). His recent work, Blind Runner (2023), premiered in Brussels, received international critical acclaim.

 

Through his work, Amir continues to inspire and challenge audiences around the world, combining the intimate and the universal, offering a unique perspective on the intersection between Iranian and international contemporary theater.