Bahram Beyzai

Bahram Beyzai was a prolific Iranian filmmaker, playwright, and researcher. He was also an *ostād*, a term meaning master, of Persian literature and mythology.

Beyzai's work focused on the history and the crisis of identity. He used cultural and mythical symbols to explore these themes. Because of his immense skill, he was often called "The Shakespeare of Persia." His career spanned several decades of significant cultural change in Iran. He helped shape a movement known as the Iranian New Wave.

Beyzai's creative process relied heavily on deep academic research.

At age 21, he began studying traditional Persian plays, such as *ta'ziyeh*. He also researched ancient Persian and pre-Islamic cultures and literatures. This research allowed him to create a non-Western identity for Iranian theatre. He did not simply copy foreign styles. Instead, he integrated Eastern theatre traditions into his own work. He even studied the theatre of Japan and China to expand his knowledge.

Beyzai was born into a family with a rich literary legacy.

His father, Ne'matallah Beyzai, was a poet and jurist who used the pen name "Zokā'i." His paternal uncle, Adib Beyzai, was a celebrated 20th-century poet. Even his grandfather and great-grandfather were notable poets. Despite this background, Beyzai's interests shifted toward the visual arts. At age 17, he frequently skipped school to attend the cinema. This passion for movies eventually led him to become a pioneer in film.

His career in the 1960s was marked by leadership and teaching. In 1968, he helped found the Iranian Writers' Guild. This was a controversial group due to the presence of censorship. In 1969, he began teaching at the University of Tehran. He chaired the Theater Department there from 1972 to 1979. This period was a very fruitful time for the department. Many famous artists and authors taught there during his leadership. He also published *A Study on Iranian Theatre*, a vital text for scholars.

Beyzai's filmography includes several highly influential works.

He directed the short film *Amu Sibilou* in 1969. His first feature film, *Ragbar*, was released in 1971. One of his most significant films is *Bashu, the Little Stranger*, made in 1986. In a 1999 poll, 150 Iranian critics voted this the best Iranian film of all time. He also directed *Death of Yazdgerd* in 1981. His films reached global audiences in countries like France, England, and India.

Life in the 1980s brought significant challenges for Beyzai. In 1981, the Iranian Cultural Revolution began. As a result of these changes, Beyzai was expelled from the university. However, he continued to write and create art. He produced several screenplays that were later adapted into films. After 1990, he faced difficulty obtaining permits to produce new work. In 1995, he accepted an invitation to Strasbourg. He eventually returned to Iran to stage plays like *The Lady Aoi*.

In his later years, Beyzai moved to the United States.

In 2010, he joined Stanford University as a visiting professor. He taught Iranian studies for 15 years. His lessons covered Persian theatre, cinema, and various myths. He also led workshops on the *Shahnameh*, a famous epic poem. Beyzai passed away on December 26, 2025. He died on his 87th birthday in Palo Alto, California.