Sama as an Actor
From my earliest childhood memories, acting was not just a dream—it was the first love that shaped my world. As a teenager, this passion became a calling. I began honing my craft in Tehran at the School of Art and Music of IRIB and later at the University of Tehran’s Faculty of Fine Arts, where my journey as a professional actor truly began.My acting style was impactfully shaped by two rigorous schools of training. First, I completed a specialized two-year acting program (2006–2007) led by the renowned coach Hamid Samandarian, whose mentorship instilled in me discipline, precision, and a deep respect for the craft. Later, in 2011, I was accepted through audition into an intensive one-year acting masterclass with Dr. Ali Rafei, whose experimental and analytical approach expanded my artistic range and challenged me to explore new depths of performance.For me, acting is more than stepping into a role; it’s stepping into a world of endless possibilities. It’s the art of embodying different lives and perspectives, a way to explore humanity in all its diversity. On stage, I find a unique resonance—a silent dialogue between myself and the audience’s gaze, a connection that transcends language and culture.In every performance, I’m not just sharing a character—I’m sharing a piece of my journey. That personal touch, rooted in both lived experience and intensive training, is what makes the craft of acting so deeply impactful to me.
Acting Experience :
. November 2023 – December 2023, Voiceless Directed by Goli (Maryam) ZareiGlendon Theatre, Studio, Toronto, Canada
. February 2023 – April 2023, Anahita’s Republic Directed by Brenley CharkowFactory Theatre, Studio, Toronto, Canada
. October 2022 – November 2022, Distorted Directed by Goli (Maryam) ZareiSmall World Music Centre, Toronto, Canada
. 2021 – Days on the Way – Directed by myselfEntezami Hall, Iranian Artists Forum, Tehran, Iran
. 2019 – Remembrance – Directed by myself
September 2019 – Independent Theater, Tehran, Iran.
November 2019 – Art Festival, Güterhalle Bahnhof e.V., Ottersberg
. 2018 – People I don’t see – Directed by myself
September 2018 – Rooberoo Mansion, Tehran, Iran
February 2019 – 37th international Fadjr Theater Festival, Tehran
. 2016 – The Hero’s Journey – Directed by Christoph PaugerAuswärtsspiel Festival, Bremen, Germany
. 2014 – Good Games and Bad Games – Directed by Fariborz Karimi 32nd International Fadjr Festival, Hafez Theater Hall, Tehran, Iran
. 2013 – Six Feet Under – Directed by Meysam Farahmandian16th International Student’s Theatre Festival, University of Tehran
. 2012 Apple Pie – Directed by Nazanin Hajizadeh4 th “Monoleev” Theatre Festival, Arasbaran Theater Hall, Tehran
. 2011 The Dark Room – Directed by Sorush Ghasemiyan12th Experimental Theater Festival, University of Tehran, Iran
. 2010 I want to die in Casablanka – Directed by Puria Kakavand, 12th “Soore” Theatre Festival, Tehran, Iran
. 2010 The Same Old – Directed by Keivan Saket of 13th international Student’s Theatre Festival, Art Hall, Tehran, Iran
Voiceless 2023 toronto, Canada
“Voiceless,” a play written by Payam Saedi and directed by Goli (Maryam) Zarei, stands out as an independent production that presents a compelling narrative of contemporary Tehran. The plot revolves around Neda Khoram, a prime-time radio host who sets out on a mission to combat voicelessness.”Voiceless” delves into the intricate dynamics of “hearing/eavesdropping,” “speaker/listener,” and “actor/audience” in a thought-provoking manner. The protagonist, a female radio presenter, vehemently protests when the voice of an ordinary woman among the listeners is silenced by the radio censorship system. However, she soon finds herself confronting a similar plight in her personal life, as the microphones, crucial to her work and survival, turn against her. This transformation forces her to confront the stark reality that her own voice has become her adversary.Through the masterful employment of distancing techniques, the production draws the audience into the protagonist’s tumultuous journey on stage, encouraging them to contemplate the themes of “hearing” and “being heard” within the context of the play. Portraying Neda, the central character in the play, has been a profound experience for me. Her enduring resilience in the face of significant suppression and adversity presented a daunting challenge, as I strived to capture the depth and emotional complexity of her story, navigating through the highs and lows she has experienced. This role has truly tested and enriched my acting career.
Link to the review – Link to the review
Anahita's Republic 2023 toronto, Canada
written by Hengameh E. Rice and directed by Brenley Charkow, is an ambitious contemporary drama that resonates with slow-burning tension. The storyline centers around Anahita, a resolute protagonist who defies the mandatory hijab and wholeheartedly embraces the women’s movement in opposition to her fundamentalist government. The play presents a searing portrayal of the challenges faced in the fight for women’s rights in Iran.In this production, I portrayed Anahita, the central character who offers an intimate perspective on gender dynamics, power struggles, and the quest for freedom in contemporary Iran. This show marked my English debut on the Canadian stage, an experience that enriched my artistic journey.
Link to the review 1 – Link to the review 2 – Link to the interview
Distorted 2022 toronto, Canada
written by Payam Saeedi and directed by Goli (Maryam) Zarei, tells the story of a middle-aged couple whose relationship has been deeply affected by the woman’s miscarriage, which resulted in the birth of a stillborn child two years prior. Their married life undergoes significant changes as they struggle to find ways to overcome their challenges and prevent the deterioration of their relationship.In this production, I portrayed Leyla, the central female character. Through compelling and dramatic moments, I delved into the depth of the character’s emotions. This project held immense significance for me as it marked my first interaction and engagement with the Iranian-Canadian audience.
Film & Television Acting Experience
A Few Floors Down (2013) – Short Film, directed by Vahid Ghazimirsaeed.
Colorful Papers (2011) – TV Movie, directed by Mona Zandi
Astonishment (2012) – TV Series, directed by Keyvan Alimohammadi and Omid Bonakdar.
Beyond the Dead End (2012) – Short Film, directed by Pouria Heidari.
Eight O’Clock on the Top of the Stairs (2011) – Short Film, directed by Saeed Behbahani and Edris Mohammadi.
