A Conversation with Director Nakta Pahlevan, "TehrAngeles" at Hudson Backstage, by James Scarborough

"TehrAngeles," a musical written and directed by Nakta Pahlevan, explores the Iranian diaspora experiences in Los Angeles during the 1980s. The narrative centers on Zohreh and her daughter Sima. Their lives intertwine with a diverse cast of characters. Each character reflects the challenges and hopes of refugees in a new land. Pahlevan's crafting of the story, co-directed with Afshin Katanchi, offers a compelling portrayal of cultural displacement and identity.

Representing the Iranian refugee experience, the production balances the universal themes of resilience and hope. The collaboration with choreographer Aaron Gilliam and composer Ali Azizian adds layers of emotional and cultural depth, creating a rich tapestry that resonates with audiences. Gilliam’s choreography captures the struggle and joy of the characters, while Azizian’s score underscores their journey with poignant melodies.

"TehrAngeles" celebrates diversity and the human spirit's indomitable nature. It invites us to reflect on our shared quest for belonging and understanding. Through its heartfelt narrative and artistic excellence, it not only honors the Iranian community's contributions but also enriches the cultural landscape of Los Angeles.

JS: What inspired you to create "TehrAngeles"? How did the story of Zohreh and Sima come to life within the context of the Iranian diaspora in Los Angeles?

NP: "TehrAngeles" was initially created at the request of the Los Angeles Public Library to tell a story about the Iranian community in diaspora for their Nowruz festival in 2024. The name TehrAngeles comes from the nickname for the Iranian community here, reflecting how Los Angeles has become a second home for many Iranians. Tehran is the capital of Iran, and Los Angeles, with the largest concentration of Iranian-Americans in the United States, has earned this nickname. Inspired by my aunt, who had to immigrate in the '80s to keep her family safe, the character of Zohreh was born. She represents the countless women who left everything behind to protect their families. This play is not just for the Persian community but for all audiences, sharing our stories of resilience and hope.

JS: How do you approach the responsibility of authentically representing the Iranian refugee experience while ensuring the narrative resonates universally with diverse audiences?

NP: As immigrants ourselves, the cast and crew deeply understand the universal themes of belonging, identity, and resilience. These are experiences that everyone, regardless of their background, can relate to. By focusing on the real stories and struggles of people trying to survive and thrive, we aim to connect with audiences on a fundamental human level.

JS: Elaborate on your collaboration with co-director Afshin Katanchi. How did your combined visions influence the direction of the musical?

NP: Afshin Katanchi brings a wealth of experience from his theater and TV career in Iran. Our different backgrounds—his in Iranian theater and mine in American acting and theater—complement each other beautifully. His focus on making every moment impactful and dramatic, combined with my knowledge of comedy and musical elements, has created a production that is both theatrical and grounded in reality. This collaboration ensures the play is authentically Persian while resonating with the diverse society we live in here.

JS: How does Aaron Gilliam’s choreography enhance the storytelling and emotional depth of the characters' journeys?

NP: Aaron Gilliam, with his extensive experience and understanding of diverse cultures, brings a unique depth to our storytelling. His choreography not only highlights the characters' struggles and joys but also emphasizes the unity and resilience of the community. His passion for the project and his ability to blend different cultural elements make the story more relatable and emotionally powerful.

JS: How did you and Musical Director Azizian work together to develop a score that embodies the themes of resilience, hope, and cultural identity?

NP: Ali Azizian, a pioneer of rock music in Iran, has a unique talent for bridging different musical genres and cultures. As one of the first to blend rock music with Iranian music, his deep understanding of both Persian and Western music allowed him to create a score that tells the story through music in a way that is nostalgic, relatable, and impactful for Iranian, American, Iranian-American, and international audiences. His compositions and lyrics add layers of emotion, turning every moment into a musical piece that reflects the characters' inner lives and the broader cultural narrative.

JS: The characters in "TehrAngeles" navigate complex themes of displacement and identity. How did you develop these characters to ensure their stories are compelling and multidimensional?

NP: Developing the characters in "TehrAngeles" involved a deep dive into their backstories, emotional complexities, and personal growth. Each character's foundation lies in their unique history and experiences, reflecting real people and their struggles.

Zohreh's character, for instance, was inspired by my aunt, who had to immigrate in the '80s to protect her family, as well as through interviews with women whose husbands were generals executed during the revolution. Her backstory includes the pain of leaving her homeland and the determination to create a safe haven for her daughter, Sima. Building emotional complexity was crucial. I wanted each character to have believable motivations and goals that audiences could relate to. Zohreh's drive to preserve her family's legacy and Sima's struggle to find her identity in a new land are central themes that resonate universally. Sima's character was shaped by observing my cousins and friends who were raised here, as well as other first-generation Iranians. I also drew insights from "In The Back Alleys of Exile" and "A Narrative of Endurance" by Homa Sarshar, which provided a vivid picture of what these families faced.

Siavash, with his dark humor and musician's soul, was developed through interviews with famous Iranian singers who had to leave their passion behind in the '80s, as well as the young wave of Iranian musicians and singers I am surrounded with. His character captures the pain and resilience of those forced into exile.

Creating flaws and vulnerabilities was another key element. These characters are not perfect; they have their weaknesses and moments of doubt, making them more human and relatable. For example, Aria, one of the heroes who helped create the community, was inspired by respected and honorable men in our Persian community, whose writings prevented them from returning to Iran. Aria embodies their spirit and contributions to the community, but also reflects the personal challenges faced by those who had to leave their families behind.

Catherine represents the religious minorities who had to flee Iran. Her character was developed through extensive research into the experiences of these communities.

Mory, Lauren, and a stripper were created to represent different facets of society, including those who were already part of the fabric of LA before the influx of Iranian immigrants. Together, they complete the tapestry of this dramedy.

Finally, showing growth and change was essential to their development. Throughout the play, we see how these characters evolve as they navigate their new lives in Los Angeles. Their interactions with each other and their environment help them grow, adapt, and find new purposes. This journey of transformation is what makes their stories compelling and multidimensional.

By weaving these elements together, I aimed to create a tapestry of characters that reflect the complexities of displacement and identity, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the Iranian diaspora experience.

JS: What were the most significant challenges you faced in bringing "TehrAngeles" to the stage? How did you overcome them?

NP: One of the biggest challenges was making the humor relatable to an American audience. I had to adjust some storylines and create moments of irony that resonate universally. Additionally, we worked hard to ensure the cast, many of whom are immigrants, could perform in English without heavy accents. This allowed us to maintain the authenticity of their experiences while making the play accessible to a broader audience.

JS: In what ways do you hope "TehrAngeles" will impact both the Iranian community and the broader audience in Los Angeles?

NP: This play is my homage to the Iranian community that welcomed me and created "TehrAngeles." It's also a gift to the broader audience, building bridges and fostering understanding. By showcasing our shared human experiences, I hope to contribute to greater collaboration and connection within our diverse society. It's important for Iranian-Americans, especially the younger generation, to see their roots celebrated and to take pride in their heritage.

JS: How does the historical context of the 1980s Iranian Revolution influence the narrative structure and thematic depth of the musical?

NP: The 1978 Iranian Revolution and the subsequent establishment of the Islamic regime in 1979 had devastating effects on Iran, triggering a wave of immigration unprecedented in the country's history. This period saw a dramatic decline in human rights, with widespread torture, arrests, property seizures, and executions targeting women, minorities, and those with differing political views. The Iranian community is diverse, encompassing Jewish, Christian, Bahá'í, and Zoroastrian faiths, all of which faced severe persecution under the new regime. These groups were among the first to be attacked when the Islamic regime came to power, stripping them of their freedoms and rights.

In "TehrAngeles," this historical context is integral to the characters' backstories and the narrative. Zohreh and her daughter Sima flee after Zohreh's husband, a general, is executed. Characters like Siavash, a musician whose work was banned; Aria, a journalist; and Catherine, an Iranian Armenian/Assyrian facing persecution, all embody the diverse impacts of the revolution. Their stories are a testament to the struggles and resilience of those forced to leave their homeland. My own family's experiences, including the execution of my cousins and the need for my parents to flee Iran for our safety, deeply inform the narrative. To tell an authentic story of the Iranian diaspora, it is essential to acknowledge these profound historical events and their lasting impact on our community.

JS: Reflecting on your journey with "TehrAngeles," how do you envision your future projects evolving, particularly in terms of thematic exploration and artistic collaboration?

NP: I envision future projects that bring Persian stories to the big stage or screen, much like "The Kite Runner" or "In the Heights." The rich tapestry of Persian literature, mythology, and philosophy holds immense potential for storytelling that resonates universally. I am particularly passionate about sharing the epic tales from Ferdowsi's "Shahnameh" and the profound wisdom found in ancient Persian philosophy.

The mythology of ancient Persia, with its heroes, battles, and moral lessons, provides a treasure trove of narratives that can captivate and educate audiences worldwide. The philosophical traditions of Persia, emphasizing themes of justice, love, and the human condition, are as relevant today as they were centuries ago. By bringing these stories to life on stage and screen, I hope to open new doors of understanding and appreciation for Persian culture.

My dream is to continue exploring these themes and stories, creating new avenues for cultural exchange, and fostering a deeper appreciation of Persian heritage. Through my work, I aim to build bridges between cultures, highlighting the shared human experiences that unite us all.