Actress's Iran Return Blocked by Career & Danger

Actress Leila Farzad, born in London to Iranian parents, reflects on her complex relationship with Iran, her parents' homeland. Despite fond childhood memories of summers there, she has not returned since her teens, citing career choices and safety concerns in the increasingly dangerous political climate. This personal conflict mirrors her current role in the play 'Under the Shadow,' which is set during the 1980s Iran-Iraq War.

The play, adapted from a 2016 horror film, centers on a mother and aspiring doctor navigating life in Tehran during wartime. Farzad, portraying the character Shideh, highlights the civilian experience of war, emphasizing the domestic struggles and psychological toll rather than battlefield heroics. The production also delves into themes of motherhood, exploring the exhaustion and resilience required when parenting under extreme duress.

Farzad finds poignant parallels between the play's themes and contemporary challenges, such as managing children's exposure to technology and social media. She expresses a deep melancholy about her physical separation from Iran, especially during periods of renewed conflict. The actress, who previously faced tokenistic casting, is grateful for the opportunity to tell an authentic Iranian story, moving beyond stereotypical roles.