Show Program | Echoes From Far Away Cities

HEATRESERIE ECHOES FROM HEATRESERI FAR AWAY CITIES THEATRESER STHEATRESE THEATRESER HEATRESERI HEATRESERIE HEATRESERI THEATRESER BLACKOUT ART SOCIETY

February 13 - 17, 2024

Photo by Sina Pourzal

THEATRESERIESTHEATRESE ABOUT THE SHOW RIESTHEATRESERIESTHEA E S E R I E S T H E AT R E S E R I E S Echoes from Far Away Cities explores how impunity, silence, stigma and shame keep domestic violence one of the most persistent and devastating global human rights violations today, yet it remains underreported. The idea behind this play is to find a way to show the invisible and, in doing so, share the devastating impact of trauma and domestic violence in hopes of bringing awareness to the problem. We tried to push the boundaries and present hardto-swallow topics for our audience in a hopeful narration based on a real story.

Using real-life documentaries, our creative team has tried to borrow from other forms of storytelling, such as film, narration, light and visuals. This project has tried to break free of the traditional bounds of one art form to bring its vision to life and leave the audience with lots of food for thought.

85 minutes, no intermission. Recommended for ages 17+.

A NOTE FROM DIRECTOR AMIR N. HOSSEINI When I was writing the director’s note, I considered what message, idea, or question I’d like to leave the audience with? Why is it essential that we tell this story?

I became involved with this project after making a documentary about an acid attack victim. The question started here, how can someone commit this level of violence? Then I realized abuse is not just a physical injury; it could be sexual, emotional, psychological, verbal, or financial. An abuser could be an educated person who uses threats and violence to gain power and control over their partner and take away their self-worth.

Domestic violence is one of the most prevalent, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today, yet it remains mainly unreported due to impunity, silence, stigma and the shame surrounding it. That’s part of the issue, it mostly remains invisible. The idea behind this play is to find a way to show the invisible and, in doing so, share the devastating impact of trauma and domestic violence, in hopes of bringing awareness to the problem.

THEATRESERIESTHEATRESE ABOUT BLACKOUT ART SOCIETY RIESTHEATRESERIESTHEA E S E R I E S T H E AT R E S E R I E S Blackout Art Society began their journey as an Ad Hoc theatre group in Vancouver in 2012. For four years, Blackout created socially conscious and innovative theatre for the Persian community on the North Shore with the help of local Persian artists. Since 2017 they have worked as a registered non-profit organization in BC, founded by Amir N. Hosseini and Soha Sanajou and opened their work to the broader community by producing in both Persian and English, attracting a wider diversity of audiences, and joining the stream of government-funded companies, while proudly maintaining a touch of their Persian culture in most of the work that they do.

Blackout Art Society produced Grafting in 2023, Echoes from Far Away Cities in 2022, and Zoning Out- a play about autism- in 2021.

Since 2021, they started running the successful annual “STAND Festival,” -a festival for immigrant and refugee artists on North Shore with Presentation House Theatre, which was expanded to two more venues in Vancouver in 2023 by adding dance and music disciplines. STAND (Strength Through Art Network Diversity) is the first Festival in BC that supports works of refugee and immigrant artists in theatre, dance and music.

We acknowledge that this topic is sensitive, and might disturb some viewers. If you need support during the show, Blackout Art Society has provided an experienced active listener – Ghazal Fakhr – on-site for your emotional support. If you need to leave the performance for support, please meet Ghazal in the lobby.

Blackout Art Society has also compiled a comprehensive list of domestic violence resources in Vancouver for further support.

Scan the QR Code for more information.

THEATRESERIESTHEATRESE CREATIVE TEAM RIESTHEATRESERIESTHEA E S E R I E S T H E AT R E S E R I E S AMIR N. HOSSEINI (he/him) | Writer & Director Blackout Art Society’s Artistic Director, and an active writer and director in Vancouver’s theatre scene for the past ten years, Amir has produced and directed many projects surrounding social issues. His recent directing includes Grafting in 2023, Echoes from Far Away Cities in 2022, Zoning Out in 2021, Auto-Biography in 2019. He also wrote and directed Relationship (+-)1, Dash, and An Easy Recipe for A Cake in Canada. In addition to his theatre experiences, Amir has written and directed several short films and documentaries in Iran before immigrating to Canada. Blank and Blue Moments are some of his works, to name a few. Amir won an award for the best documentary at the 3rd Urban Film Festival in 2009 and the same title at the 6th International Student Film Festival in 2010. Amir holds a B. S. in Civil Engineering and B.A. in Directing from IRIB University, Iran, followed by an M.A. in Directing Theatre from TMU, Iran. He has been the artist-inresidence at Presentation House Theatre since 2018. Starting 2021, he is the Artistic Director of the STAND Festival, a festival to support voices of immigrant and refugee artists in theatre, dance, and music.

SHILA AMIN (she/her) | Stage Manager Shila is a graduate of the Technical Theatre program at Capilano University. This is her second show with Blackout Art Society. Select credits: Stage Manager: The Five Vengeances (Affair of Honor), Kill the Ripper (Geekenders), Playthings (Affair of Honor), Frankenstein: Lost in Darkness (Pacific Theatre), Amelie (West Moon Theatre), Soul Samurai (Affair of Honor), Cabaret and Rocky Horror Show (Exit 22).

She’d like to thank the cast and crew for making this a fantastic experience!

THEATRESERIESTHEATRESE CREATIVE TEAM RIESTHEATRESERIESTHEA E S E R I E S T H E AT R E S E R I E S YASAMAN HOSSEINI (she/her) | Assistant Director Yasaman Hosseini studied Architecture and Landscape Architecture in Iran and earned her master’s degree in urban design at UBC. Currently, she works as an architect and designer in an architecture company.

In 2016, Yasaman also completed acting courses at the Fine Art University of Tehran. Her journey into acting began in 2017 when she started performing in theatres in Tehran. Some of the notable shows she participated in include: Escape to the Jungle (2017), Predicament (2017), Doubt (2017), Black Comedy (2019), Mandat (2020), Weird King (2020), and Khonakaye Khatme - Khatere (2020).

Upon moving to Vancouver, Yasaman became involved with the Blackout Art Society, serving as a volunteer coordinator. In Vancouver, she contributed to various shows, including Echoes from Far Away Cities (2022) as an Assistant Director and Stage Manager, as well as as a performer in: Grafting (2023), and The Body of a Woman as a Battlefield in the Bosnian (2023). She firmly believes that art and theatre are essential keys to understanding life.

SARA AMERI (she/her) | Assistant Stage Manager Sara holds a bachelor’s degree in cinema from Iran and has been actively involved in various art forms since the age of twelve. Her deep love for literature, especially poetry and dramatic works, has always been a cornerstone of her self-expression. Over time, Sara took on various roles in short film projects and theatre productions, including Script Supervision, Assistant Director, Coordination, and Production Management. She holds the conviction that art alone has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the world.

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THEATRESERIESTHEATRESE CREATIVE TEAM RIESTHEATRESERIESTHEA E S E R I E S T H E AT R E S E R I E S SOHA SANAJOU (she/her) | Performer Soha is the co-founder of Blackout Art Society and has appeared in several short films and theatre productions in Vancouver and Iran for the past twelve years. Soha’s theatre experiences include Echoes from Far Away Cities, Zoning Out, Auto-Biography, Relationship (+-)1, An Easy Recipe for a Cake, and Grafting, to name a few.

Through her work, Soha invites us into a world where art is the bridge connecting diverse perspectives. Her commitment to the craft is not just about entertainment; it’s about fostering a shared understanding and celebrating the stories that define us, challenge us, and, ultimately, unite us.

Soha studied Accounting at the University of British Columbia and holds a Bachelor of Laws and Master of Laws from Iran. She also completed a Certificate in Acting by taking Masterclasses at the Persian Culture and Art Institute in North Vancouver and Devising classes at Ghost River Theatre in Calgary.

A native of Iran, Soha now lives and works in Vancouver, and since 2021, she has been the Executive Producer at the annual STAND Festival to support voices of immigrant and refugee artists in theatre, dance, and music.

PANTHEA VATANDOOST (she/her) | Performer Panthea Vatandoost is an Iranian actor, writer, and director for film and theatre. She is the founder and Managing Artistic Director of Medusa Theatre Society (MTS), a non-profit organization dedicated to creating, supporting, and producing works that engage with the immigrant and refugee community, focusing on MENAT voices.

Panthea’s next project is directing the world premiere of Patifam, coproduced by MTS and Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre (vAct), presented at The Cultch in April 2024.

THEATRESERIESTHEATRESE CREATIVE TEAM RIESTHEATRESERIESTHEA E S E R I E S T H E AT R E S E R I E S NAVID CHARKHI | (he/him) Performer Born in Iran, Navid Charkhi moved to Canada at age twelve, where he embarked on a career in entertainment as a dancer, actor, and choreographer.

With credits spanning Apple, HBO Max, Disney+, Paramount, ABC Network, Netflix, Nickelodeon, and more, he’s collaborated with esteemed directors like Kenny Ortega and Francis Lawrence.

Navid’s performances include live shows with various artists and appearances on Good Morning America alongside the cast of Disney’s Descendants trilogy, where he served as principal dancer. His diverse acting and dancing roles encompass projects such as GREASE: Rise Of The Pink Ladies, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Julie and the Phantoms, Once Upon a Time, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, iZombie, Run For Your Life, and So help me Todd.

In his latest venture with Apple’s SEE, Navid transitioned to choreography and movement coaching, contributing to character development and storytelling for actors like Jason Momoa and Alfre Woodard. He also expanded his skill set to include stunt training with whips and swords, building on his previous experiences.

Recently, Navid has honed his passion for acting, training under industry professionals to develop his craft further.

MEHDI DARVISH (he/him) | Performer Mehdi is a Vancouver based actor. He is very happy to be working with Blackout Art Society. His film and T.V. credits include Masters of Science Fiction, Delete, and Window Horses. His recent theatre credits are a Canadian and a U.K tour of Foreign Radical with Theatre Conspiracy, and Facts with United Players. Later this month he will be joining Medusa Theatre’s A Cultural Celebration – MENAT Style, presented by Rumble Theatre. He holds a BA in theatre from York University and has studied acting at Actor’s Foundry.

THEATRESERIESTHEATRESE CREATIVE TEAM RIESTHEATRESERIESTHEA E S E R I E S T H E AT R E S E R I E S NAZANIN SHOJA (she/her) | Performer Nazanin Shoja is an actor, singer, and dancer based in North Vancouver. She is a graduate in Performing Arts from Université de Nice Sophia-Antipolis (France) and Randolph Academy for Performing Arts (Toronto).

Stage highlights include: When the Reaper Calls (North Vancouver Community Players), The Dance Teacher (Tomo Suru Players), Die Fledermaus (North Shore Light Opera), Cats (Fighting Chance Productions), Sleeping Beauty (Metro Theatre), Perfect Lives, Desperate Wives (Hamilton Fringe Festival), The Laramie Project (Annex Theatre), and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Four Seasons Musical Theatre). TV/Indie Film credits include The Watchful Eye (ABC), Debris (NBC), Possession, The Repression, and Life on Earth.

She also acts as program director for the annual BC Culture Days festival and ambassador/mentorship program supporting emerging artists across the province.

ANDIE LLOYD (she/her) | Production Designer Andie is a queer interdisciplinary artist who is currently based on unceded Musqueam, Squamish and TsleilWaututh Territories. She works with lighting and video design primarily but is also an involved community and labour advocate. Andie is passionate about multilingual work and experimental uses of technology!

Andie’s recent credits include: Clean/Espejos (Neworld Theatre), Surtitle & Co-Projection Designer, whip (Fakeknot), Lighting Designer, Residuals (Shion Carter), Lighting Designer.

Ask her anytime you want to try something new and exciting. Andie is a Graduate of Studio 58, and a member of the Associated Designers of Canada.

THEATRESERIESTHEATRESE CREATIVE TEAM RIESTHEATRESERIESTHEA E S E R I E S T H E AT R E S E R I E S CECILIA VADALA (she/they) | Set Designer Born and raised in Italy, Cecilia has a background in Philosophy and Art History. A graduate of the MFA program in Theatre Design and Production from the University of British Columbia, Cecilia designs for the stage and the screen, focusing on scenic design.

As a designer, Cecilia considers herself a visual storyteller. Her aesthetic is suggestive and evocative. In her work, the space is another character that evolves and tells a story independently. As an artist, Cecilia explores the connections between emotions and materials, feelings, and textures, often introducing a sensory component to her designs.

Selected theatre credits: Gertrude and Alice (Scenic Designer, 2024), Blue Stockings (Scenic Designer, 2023), Black and Rural (Scenic and Costume Designer, 2023), Echoes from Far Away Cities (Scenic Designer, 2023), Emilia (Scenic and Costume Designer, 2021), Anna Bella Eema (Scenic and Costume Designer, 2020), Timothy Findley’s The Wars (Scenic Designer, 2019), Hosanna (Scenic Designer, 2019).

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THEATRESERIESTHEATRESE CREATIVE TEAM RIESTHEATRESERIESTHEA E S E R I E S T H E AT R E S E R I E S JACOB WAN (he/him) | Lighting Designer Jacob Wan is a Vancouver based designer from Hong Kong. He specializes in lighting and projection design.

Previous credits include: Cranked! (2021, Green Thumb Theatre), Cipher (2020, ArtsClub – Assistant Lighting Design), ShadowCatch (2022, UBC Opera), Red Priest (2021, United Players of Vancouver).

He is also interested in combining theatre arts into different performing art platforms. He believed that live performance is an engaging experience with the audience. He loves to create a world that allows the audience to experience an immersive storytelling from the performance. He has collaborated with artist Clive-hicks Jenkins and UBC School of Music to produce an interactive projection performance in 2019. While he is actively involved in the Vancouver theatrical community, he has also designed a few shows for different amateur theatres in Hong Kong and completed a few professional certificate courses in Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Theatre Design and Production in University of British Columbia (UBC) in 2020 and was a recipient of several scholarships during his study.

BRIANNA MARGERISON (she/her) | Makeup Artist Brianna Margerison is a makeup effects artist based in Vancouver. She graduated from Blanche MacDonald in 2021 with a passion for prosthetics and makeup effects.

She has worked on several short and student films, was the hair and makeup artist in the feature film Don’t Look Away, and was head of the makeup department for the first season of the TV series I Killed Maddie Forbes. Brianna has always had a passion for many types of arts, and that passion grew into makeup and prosthetics after a career-ending rugby injury. Brianna enjoys working to make custom prosthetics and working on film sets to make fake injuries look as real as possible with makeup.

THEATRESERIESTHEATRESE CREATIVE TEAM RIESTHEATRESERIESTHEA E S E R I E S T H E AT R E S E R I E S SHIDEH TALEBAN (she/her) | Marketing Manager Shideh is a library services coordinator who is passionate about arts and culture. As someone who enjoys watching live performances, she believes that the audience is the pulse of theatre and thrives to invite people to watch it. Shideh’s journey with the Blackout Art Society started in 2013 as our Marketing Manager, and she would be happy to answer any questions about our performances.

Shideh invites you to visit their website or like and follow them on Facebook and Instagram: Website: www.blackouttheater.com Facebook: Blackout Art Society Instagram: @blackout.art.society GHAZAL FAKHR (she/her) | Active Listener Ghazal Fakhr is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Art Therapist, and the founder of ASSA Counselling, who passionately guides individuals on their transformative journey toward healing and self-discovery. Holding a master’s degree in psychology counselling and art therapy from Adler University, Ghazal brings diverse therapeutic approaches to her practice.

In addition to her clinical work, Ghazal is an accomplished academic, holding another master’s degree in art research. This multidisciplinary background enriches her therapeutic practice, allowing her to integrate diverse perspectives into her work.

Ghazal is a trauma-informed, trained EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist committed to empowering individuals to navigate their healing path and thrive in their lives.

Ghazal is actively engaged in the community and delighted to collaborate with the Blackout Art Society. She takes pride in working alongside society and is particularly inspired by Amir, supporting the echoing of women’s voices who have endured sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse.

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