# Hamid Dehghani

Hamid Dehghani is an Iranian director, playwright, and actor. His work spans theatre productions in both Iran and the United States, with a focus on storytelling that explores complex themes of identity, language, and human experiences. Dehghani has directed several notable plays, including English (play) by Sanaz Toossi and Selling Kabul by Sylvia Khoury. His career has also included acting roles and playwriting, with some of his works receiving awards in Iranian theatre festivals. He has collaborated with prominent theatres such as the Goodman Theatre, Guthrie Theater, and Northlight Theatre, contributing to both international and regional theatre landscapes.

## Early life and education

Hamid Dehghani was born in Iran, where he developed an early passion for theatre and storytelling. He pursued a bachelor's degree in theatre from Tehran University of Art, followed by a master's degree in Theatre Directing from the same institution. His academic journey culminated in earning an MFA in Theatre Directing from Northwestern University in the United States in 2023.

## Career
### Directing

Dehghani has directed productions in both Iran and the United States. His works include a range of plays that have been noted for their thematic focus and execution. His major works include:
| Year | Title | Playwright | Theatre | Notes |
| 2024 | English (play) | Sanaz Toossi | Guthrie Theatre, Goodman Theatre | Co-production, critically acclaimed |
| 2024 | Selling Kabul | Sylvia Khoury | Northlight Theatre | Emotional, tense production |
| 2024 | Baba | Denmo Ebrahim | Amphibian Stage | Focus on immigrant stories |
| 2016 | From the Environs of Milad | Hamid Dehghani | Iranshahr Theater | Best Directing Award, Iran International Festival of University Theatre |
| 2009 | Sohrab’s Transgression | Hamid Dehghani | Entezami Theater/Fajr International Theater Festival | Selected for the prestigious Fajr International Theater Festival |
| 2004 | Carnations | Raymond Carver | Tehran University of Art | Early directorial work |
| 2004 | Leila | Morteza Hoseinzadeh | Tehran University of Art | |
| 2004 | Nathan and Tabileth | Barry Bermange | Khourshid Theatre | |
| 2004 | Le Bel Indifférent | Jean Cocteau | Tehran University of Art | |

### Acting

Dehghani has a background in acting, having performed in various Iranian and international productions:
Acting in Short Films
| Year | Title | Role |
| 2012 | Jade Farei | Ali |
| 2009 | Yek Bar Se | Husband |
| 2007 | Occasion | Patient |
| 2007 | Unbreakable Mirrors (TV series) | Officer Ahmadi |
| 2006 | Night Story Of The Boulevard | Driver |
| 2005 | Who is Going All This Way | Reza |
| 2005 | C473 Monologue | C473 |
| 2006 | To Die in Place of Another One | Father |
Acting in Plays
| Year | Title | Role | Theatre |
| 2023 | Andy Warhol in Iran | Farhad | Northlight Theatre |
| 2015/2016 | Sohrab’s Transgression | Ali | Entezami Theater/Iran International Fadjr Theatre Festival |
| 2012 | Barren (Barzakh) | Sailor | Iran International Fadjr Theatre Festival |
| 2009/2011 | From the Environs of Milad | Soroush | Iranshahr Theater/Iran International Festival of University Theater |
| 2008 | Afsooskhar | Shahin | Khourshid Theatre |
| 2007 | The Archbishop's Ceiling | Adrian | Khourshid Theatre |
| 2007 | Equus | Alan | Iran International Festival of University Theater |
| 2006 | The Last One Confessed | Hamid | Khourshid Theatre |
| 2005 | Let's Take a Little Walk | Boy | Iran Theatre Forum |
| 2008 | Charlie | Grandson | Molavi Theatre |
| 2004 | Rhinocéros | Bérenger | Experimental Theatre Festival |
| 2002 | The Legend of Nimrooz | Messenger | Fooladshahr Theatre |

### Writing

Dehghani has also written several plays, including:
| Year | Title | Notes |
| 2016 | Rood | |
| 2009 | Sohrab’s Transgression | Featured at the Fadjr International Theatre Festival |
| 2008 | From the Environs of Milad | Award-winning play |
| 2007 | Sculpture (Screenplay) | |
| 2004 | I'm Not Cold Anymore | |

### Assistant directing

| Year | Title | Director | Theatre |
| 2023 | A Distinct Society | Kareem Fahmy | Writers Theatre |
| 2022 | Measure for Measure | Henry Godinez | Chicago Shakespeare Theatre |
| 2022 | Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley | Marti Lyons | Northlight Theatre |
| 2021 | Eurydice (Opera) | Mary Zimmerman | The Metropolitan Opera |
| 2020 | The Lady from the Sea | Shana Cooper | Court Theatre |

## Notable productions

* English (2024): Directed by Dehghani at the Guthrie Theater and Goodman Theatre. The play, written by Sanaz Toossi, focuses on language, identity, and the immigrant experience. Dehghani's direction was lauded for its humanity and clarity, with critics praising his ability to bring out the nuances of the immigrant struggle.
* Selling Kabul (2024): A tense and truthful story set in Afghanistan, this production received widespread critical acclaim for its emotional depth and topical relevance.

## Awards and honors

* Best Directing Award, From the Environs of Milad, Iran International Festival of University Theatre.
* Best Playwriting Award, From the Environs of Milad, Iran International Festival of University Theatre.
* Best Actor Award, Equus, Iran International Festival of University Theatre.

## Press and reception

Dehghani's works have been covered by both Iranian and international media, receiving attention for their thematic depth and direction. Selected reviews include:
* Chicago Tribune: Chris Jones (drama critic) observed, "I was frankly knocked out by the quality of the direction, which is exquisitely paced, subtle of idea, and formidably communicative," in his review of *English* at the Goodman Theatre.
* Chicago Reader: In their review of *English*, the *Chicago Reader* noted, “Dehghani made his professional directing debut in Chicago earlier this year with Northlight Theatre’s production of *Selling Kabul*. *English* further establishes his work as notable within the Chicago theater scene.”
* Chicago Sun-Times: According to the *Chicago Sun-Times*, “Dehghani, his design team, and this cast make every moment of the production active, sharp, clear, and relatable.”