Event is in Persian.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when theaters were closed, how could we create something that allowed us to be together safely—at a time when simply being together could be deadly? Monologues had to be written for home performances, requiring no theatrical stage or technical facilities; the performance venue became social media.

Women’s Monologues Based on the Alphabet, written by Afshin Hashemi, is a collection of 32 monologues drawn from the stories of Iranian women—yesterday and today, past and present. Each piece is based on a letter of the alphabet and uses colloquial language, idioms, and proverbs of Persian. The monologues were designed to be performed by anywhere from one to thirty-two female performers.

The performance and release of this collection began on March 25, 2021, performed by professional Iranian actress Mona Farjad, and continued steadily until May 2022. The series was met with strong admiration from theater lovers and even audiences previously unfamiliar with theater.

After the COVID lockdowns ended and theaters partially reopened in Iran, the Iranian Theatre Forum honored this initiative by awarding distinctions to both the performer and the writer of the collection.

Afshin Hashemi will perform all 32 monologues in Persian.

Afshin Hashemi, born in Tehran, is a prominent Iranian actor, director, and playwright who is recognized for his nuanced performances and thoughtful direction, often weaving poetic narratives with deep cultural resonance. He earned an MFA in directing from Tehran University of Art. His contributions to Iranian theater have left a lasting impact, particularly in the realm of contemporary and experimental theater.

In cinema, Hashemi has directed and acted in several notable films and television series. His film “Soft Voice (Sedaye Ahesteh),” filmed in New York, received multiple awards and international acclaim for its subtle storytelling and visual style. He also directed the popular feature film “Goodbye Shirazi Girl,” and two successful original series: “The Women’s Secret Network” and “DaVinchiz!,” which showcase his diverse creative vision and social commentary.

Part of the Stanford Festival of Iranian Arts

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