Professional Profile
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Reza Shirmarz is a playwright, author, literary translator, theater director, scholar, and public speaking educator with more than twenty-five years of professional experience across theater, literature, translation, voice and speech training, radio, cultural management, and higher education. He has published more than forty books and several articles in Farsi and English, including original plays, literary translations, theoretical works on theater, and practical books on stage speech and playwriting.
His career brings together creative practice, scholarly inquiry, and cross-cultural translation. He has translated major works of Greek, Roman, British, French, and modern dramatic literature into Persian, including plays by Aristophanes, Menander, Plautus, Terence, George Bernard Shaw, Somerset Maugham, Terence Rattigan, Clifford Odets, Iakovos Kambanellis, and others. His recent translation of Aristotle’s Poetics from Greek into Farsi marks a major contribution to Persian-language theater and literary studies, and his translation of Aristotle’s Rhetoric is forthcoming.
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As a playwright, Shirmarz has written numerous plays, several of which have been published and recognized in national and international contexts. His plays include Crystal Vines, Cinnamon Stars, Lanterns Are Weeping, Deep Blue Sea, My Hands, Orestes, Meeting, Yellow Snow Falls, The Corners of Death, Acharnon Street Vulture, Immigrants, Tsunami, and The Lost Pipe. His play Muzzled, a dramatic response to Samuel Beckett’s Catastrophe, was published by Index on Censorship in 2022 and later produced at the Chopin Theatre in Chicago in 2025 as part of the Theater of the Absurd Festival.
Alongside his artistic work, Shirmarz has developed a long-standing career as a teacher, voice and speech trainer, cultural consultant, and scholar. His book Stage Speech: Practical Exercises has been widely used in Iranian drama schools and is now in its fourteenth edition. He has taught playwriting, drama history, stage speech, and voice training, designing practice-based workshops that connect theory with embodied artistic training.
He is currently pursuing a PhD in Communication Studies at Southern Illinois University, where he also works as a teaching assistant. His current research interests include public speaking, rhetoric, performance, somaesthetics, theater, censorship, pedagogy, and the relationship between voice, body, power, and public expression.
He is currently pursuing a PhD in Communication Studies at Southern Illinois University, where he also works as a teaching assistant. His current research interests include public speaking, rhetoric, performance, somaesthetics, theater, censorship, pedagogy, and the relationship between voice, body, power, and public expression.
Education
1990 Higher School Diploma in Socioeconomics, Pasdaran Highschool, Tehran
1992 – 1997 Bachelor of Insurance Management, E.C.O. College of Insurance, Tehran
2019 – 2022 Master’s in Strategic Communication Public Relations, The American College of Greece (Deree)
2024 - PhD in Communication Studies, Southern Illinois University
1992 – 1997 Bachelor of Insurance Management, E.C.O. College of Insurance, Tehran
2019 – 2022 Master’s in Strategic Communication Public Relations, The American College of Greece (Deree)
2024 - PhD in Communication Studies, Southern Illinois University
Professional Overview
1996 - Present Playwright
Out of several plays he has written 7 has been published in Performing Arts Centre Publication and other drama magazines like Theatre Monthly & Payab, in Tehran.
List of some of his plays: A trilogy: “Crystal Vines, Cinnamon Stars & Lanterns Are Weeping”, Deep Blue Sea, My Hands, Orestes, Meeting, Yellow Snow Falls, The Corners of Death, Acharnon Street Vulture, Immigrants, Tsunami, The Lost Pipe, etc. “Immigrants”, a one-act play in English, was translated into Greek by Nikos Anastassopoulos in 2014.
Muzzled, a dramatic response to Samuel Beckett’s Catastrophe was published in 2022 by Index on Censorship, a Sage journal. This play was read online by a group of American actors in April 2022. Muzzled was produced in the Chopin Theatre, Chicago, in May 2025, as a part of the event Theatre of the Absurd along with the most well-known playwrights such as Edward Albee, Harold Pinter, Sam Shephard, Samuel Beckett, etc.
Click to read more...
Out of several plays he has written 7 has been published in Performing Arts Centre Publication and other drama magazines like Theatre Monthly & Payab, in Tehran.
List of some of his plays: A trilogy: “Crystal Vines, Cinnamon Stars & Lanterns Are Weeping”, Deep Blue Sea, My Hands, Orestes, Meeting, Yellow Snow Falls, The Corners of Death, Acharnon Street Vulture, Immigrants, Tsunami, The Lost Pipe, etc. “Immigrants”, a one-act play in English, was translated into Greek by Nikos Anastassopoulos in 2014.
Muzzled, a dramatic response to Samuel Beckett’s Catastrophe was published in 2022 by Index on Censorship, a Sage journal. This play was read online by a group of American actors in April 2022. Muzzled was produced in the Chopin Theatre, Chicago, in May 2025, as a part of the event Theatre of the Absurd along with the most well-known playwrights such as Edward Albee, Harold Pinter, Sam Shephard, Samuel Beckett, etc.
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1997 - Present Literary Translator
Translated several literary works into Persian language all published in more than 32 volumes by Performing Arts Centre Publication and Ghatreh Publishing Company, Ahang-e-digar Publication, Ghoghnoos Publishing Company in Tehran. List of some translations: Aristophanes (11 plays), Menanderus (7 plays, one complete), Plautus (20 plays), Terentius (2 plays), Bernard Shaw (7 plays), Edward Bond (1 play), Somerset Maugham (5 plays), Terence Rattigan (2 plays), Clifford Odets (2 plays), Iakovos Kambanellis (6 plays), John Mortimer (5 plays), The Anatomy of Drama by Marjorie Boulton, Aesthetics by Jean Paul Sartre, etc. His recent published translation is Aristotle’s Poetics which was translated from Greek to Farsi. Rhetoric is his second translation of Aristotle’s works from Greek which is going to be published by Phoenix Publishing Company in Iran.
Click to read more...
Translated several literary works into Persian language all published in more than 32 volumes by Performing Arts Centre Publication and Ghatreh Publishing Company, Ahang-e-digar Publication, Ghoghnoos Publishing Company in Tehran. List of some translations: Aristophanes (11 plays), Menanderus (7 plays, one complete), Plautus (20 plays), Terentius (2 plays), Bernard Shaw (7 plays), Edward Bond (1 play), Somerset Maugham (5 plays), Terence Rattigan (2 plays), Clifford Odets (2 plays), Iakovos Kambanellis (6 plays), John Mortimer (5 plays), The Anatomy of Drama by Marjorie Boulton, Aesthetics by Jean Paul Sartre, etc. His recent published translation is Aristotle’s Poetics which was translated from Greek to Farsi. Rhetoric is his second translation of Aristotle’s works from Greek which is going to be published by Phoenix Publishing Company in Iran.
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1991 - Present Interpreter
ITM: Farsi-English-Greek Interpreter ((Athens, Greece, FEB 2024-July 2024)
METADRASI: Farsi-English-Greek Interpreter (Athens, Greece, SEP 2023-FEB 2024)
Saadi Translation Company (IN IRAN, 1995-2004) (Translating from
English to Farsi as well as Farsi to English)
ITM: Farsi-English-Greek Interpreter ((Athens, Greece, FEB 2024-July 2024)
METADRASI: Farsi-English-Greek Interpreter (Athens, Greece, SEP 2023-FEB 2024)
Saadi Translation Company (IN IRAN, 1995-2004) (Translating from
English to Farsi as well as Farsi to English)
2002 - Present Author
Stage Speech, Practical Exercises written by Reza Shirmarz and published by Ghatreh Publishing Company, 2021. Now it is in its 14th edition.
I Think with My Eyes, a book about visual theatre of the famous American theatre director Robert Wilson, published by Ghatreh Publishing Company, 2015.
The Philosophy of Theatre, Lohe Danesh Publications, 2024.
The Philosophy of Comedy, forthcoming
The Art of Playwriting (Two volumes), forthcoming
Click to read more...
Stage Speech, Practical Exercises written by Reza Shirmarz and published by Ghatreh Publishing Company, 2021. Now it is in its 14th edition.
I Think with My Eyes, a book about visual theatre of the famous American theatre director Robert Wilson, published by Ghatreh Publishing Company, 2015.
The Philosophy of Theatre, Lohe Danesh Publications, 2024.
The Philosophy of Comedy, forthcoming
The Art of Playwriting (Two volumes), forthcoming
Click to read more...
2002 - Present Essayist
Wrote 8 essays & articles on Literature and drama in Iranian and British literary periodicals and magazines, in Tehran (in Farsi) and London (in English). Reference to some his essays and articles:
Wrote 8 essays & articles on Literature and drama in Iranian and British literary periodicals and magazines, in Tehran (in Farsi) and London (in English). Reference to some his essays and articles:
- The Post-modern Literature of Samuel Beckett,inKelkLiteraryMagazine, 149 & 150, pp. 12-17, Tehran, 2004.
- A Critical Analysis of From Behind the Windows: Snakelike Striptease, in Kelk Literary Magazine, N. 154, pp. 36-38, Tehran, 2005.
- One of the major Iranian publication companies established about 4 decades ago. Since three years ago, Ghatreh Publication Company has launched 1192 books.
- An Analytical View on “The Clouds”, A Comedy by Aristophanes,in Hamshahri Philosophical Magazine, N. 24, pp. 31-32, Tehran, 2007.
- Structural Analysis of Aristophanes’ Comedy-writing, in Tehran University, Tehran, 2008.
- Iakovos Kambanellis, A Contemporary Greek playwright, Directors’ CentreBook, 1st volume, pp. 47-54, Tehran, 2012.
- An Interview with Konstantinos Passalis, A Greek Theater Director on Iakovos Kambanellis, Directors’ Centre Book, 1st volume, pp. 37-46, Tehran, 2012.
- On Hamid Samandarian: Iranian Theater Director, Directors’ Centre Book,pp. 49-51. Tehran, 2012.
- Theatre and Phenomenology, Directors’ Centre Book, 4th volume, pp. 48-68.Tehran, 2013.
- Dramatic Interaction, The Linguist, Vol 54/N 1, pp. 20-21, Chartered Institute of Linguists, 2015.
- Dancing in Chain, The Linguist, Vol 54/N 5, pp. 8-9, Chartered Institute of Linguists, 2015.
- A Short Review of Children Theater in Greece, Theatre Magazine, N. 208, p.80, 2015.
- Stage Design in Greek Theater, Theatre Magazine, N. 208, pp. 81-83, 2015.
- An Introduction to Contemporary Greek Theater, Theatre Magazine, N. 208,pp. 75-79, 2015.
- Theater Architecture in Modern Greece, Theatre Magazine, N. 206, pp. 92- 94, 2016.
- Desperate Liaisons, The Linguist, Vol 55/N 2, Chartered Institute of Linguists, pp. 8-9, 2016.
- Playwriting in Modern Greece, Theatre Magazine, N. 208, pp. 96-98, 2016.
- What Does Theatre Mean, Theatre Magazine, N. 224, pp. 55-60, 2017.
- An Introduction to Contemporary Theater of Egypt, Theatre Magazine, N.225, pp. 87-95, 2017.
- Censorship, the Cultural Pollution, Ketab-e-Avaz, No. 2, pp. 55-61, 2021.
1997 – 2005 Radio Writer, Translator & Narrator
He wrote, translated and adapted plays, poems, literary and theatrical criticism for 4 radio channels in Iran. Also He was active as a narrator and critic for about six months in a music program in Tehran Radio.
List of Radio channels: Cultural Radio, Youth Radio, Tehran Radio and National Radio.
He wrote, translated and adapted plays, poems, literary and theatrical criticism for 4 radio channels in Iran. Also He was active as a narrator and critic for about six months in a music program in Tehran Radio.
List of Radio channels: Cultural Radio, Youth Radio, Tehran Radio and National Radio.
2002 – 2004 Translator and Interpreter
Reza collaborated with a team of writers, designers, critics to prepare the bilingual catalogue and daily bulletins of International Fajr Theatre Festival7, Tehran.
Reza collaborated with a team of writers, designers, critics to prepare the bilingual catalogue and daily bulletins of International Fajr Theatre Festival7, Tehran.
2007 – 2011 Art and Cultural Consultant & Manager
Dealing with artistic, cultural and educational issues in a branch of Cultural Ministry located in southern part of Tehran, Reza Shirmarz managed and organized theatre and music festivals, book fairs, visual arts (painting,
sculpture, photography and calligraphy) exhibitions, workshops, etc. for about three and a half years.
Dealing with artistic, cultural and educational issues in a branch of Cultural Ministry located in southern part of Tehran, Reza Shirmarz managed and organized theatre and music festivals, book fairs, visual arts (painting,
sculpture, photography and calligraphy) exhibitions, workshops, etc. for about three and a half years.
2007 – 2010 Drama Teacher
In Razi Cultural Institute, Tehran.
Reza had a three-year playwriting workshop and drama history classes based on his own two-volume book “The Art of Playwriting” which is going to be published by Ghatreh Publication Company. Three of the workshop members entered into the playwriting market and became published and performed playwrights.
In Razi Cultural Institute, Tehran.
Reza had a three-year playwriting workshop and drama history classes based on his own two-volume book “The Art of Playwriting” which is going to be published by Ghatreh Publication Company. Three of the workshop members entered into the playwriting market and became published and performed playwrights.
2007 – 2010 Speech and Voice Trainer
A 3-year speech and voice workshop with more than 100 members in Razi Cultural Organization, Tehran. Used the method of his own book “Stage Speech, Practical Exercises” which was published years ago and has been taught in drama schools nationwide. This book is in its 14th edition now.
A 3-year speech and voice workshop with more than 100 members in Razi Cultural Organization, Tehran. Used the method of his own book “Stage Speech, Practical Exercises” which was published years ago and has been taught in drama schools nationwide. This book is in its 14th edition now.
Key Skills
Communication and teamwork
As a translator and interpreter, Reza has been in contact with a variety of people in different organizations and professions. He has learned to be at the service of the system he is involved in, and at the same time present his own personal ideas and contributions to reach the most effectual results in the workplace.
Organization and Time management
As an Art Manager and Cultural Consultant, Reza has attempted to coordinate a diverse range of staff with the time and financial possibilities of the organization according to accomplish in short-run plans and also in long-term programs.
Practical Approach
Both of his workshops for Playwriting and Speech and Voice were based on practice. He gave his students a unique opportunity to imbibe the theories through exercises and activities. The participants of his workshops were quite happy and self-confident since they were not just sitting and taking notes but collaborating with the others and being creative all the time to realize the gist of the theories in a practical space.
As a translator and interpreter, Reza has been in contact with a variety of people in different organizations and professions. He has learned to be at the service of the system he is involved in, and at the same time present his own personal ideas and contributions to reach the most effectual results in the workplace.
Organization and Time management
As an Art Manager and Cultural Consultant, Reza has attempted to coordinate a diverse range of staff with the time and financial possibilities of the organization according to accomplish in short-run plans and also in long-term programs.
Practical Approach
Both of his workshops for Playwriting and Speech and Voice were based on practice. He gave his students a unique opportunity to imbibe the theories through exercises and activities. The participants of his workshops were quite happy and self-confident since they were not just sitting and taking notes but collaborating with the others and being creative all the time to realize the gist of the theories in a practical space.
Awards
Excellence in Teaching Award , Southern Illinois University, 2025
Leadership Award, The American College of Greece, 2022
Book of the Year Prize for Theater of Asia, Roshd National Book Festival, 2011
Third Prize, National Playwriting Competition of Iran Playwriting Centre, 2009
Best Playwright, 27th International Fajr Theatre Festival, for Crystal Vines, 2009
Best Playwright, 26th International Fajr Theatre Festival, for Cinnamon Stars, 2007
First Prize in Science Level, among students of 120 high schools in Tehran, 1990
Leadership Award, The American College of Greece, 2022
Book of the Year Prize for Theater of Asia, Roshd National Book Festival, 2011
Third Prize, National Playwriting Competition of Iran Playwriting Centre, 2009
Best Playwright, 27th International Fajr Theatre Festival, for Crystal Vines, 2009
Best Playwright, 26th International Fajr Theatre Festival, for Cinnamon Stars, 2007
First Prize in Science Level, among students of 120 high schools in Tehran, 1990
Linguistic Competencies
English: Advanced, 25 years experience
Greek: Advanced, 10 years experience
Turkish: Advanced, 35 years experience
Arabic: Pre-Intermediate, 35 years of experience
Greek: Advanced, 10 years experience
Turkish: Advanced, 35 years experience
Arabic: Pre-Intermediate, 35 years of experience
Computer Competencies
Microsoft Office: Advanced, 20 years experience
Adobe Photoshop: Advanced, 25 years experience
Adobe Premier: Competent, 10 years experience
Adobe Audition, Sibelius, Guitar Pro: Advanced, 16 years of experience
Adobe Photoshop: Advanced, 25 years experience
Adobe Premier: Competent, 10 years experience
Adobe Audition, Sibelius, Guitar Pro: Advanced, 16 years of experience
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