Resilience on Stage: The Artistic Odyssey of BC's Artist

Why should an artist face numerous challenges to bring a piece of art to the stage?

Morteza Moshtaghi is an Iranian writer and director who has been living in Vancouver for over thirty years. Despite his enduring passion for theatre, he has yet to establish a steady income in his artistic field. Consequently, he has been working as a taxi driver for years, but his dedication to his craft, theatre, remains unwavering.

In light of his upcoming production, which will debut on Sunday, February 18th, at the Centennial Theatre in North Vancouver, we engaged in a conversation with Morteza. He speaks of his love for the performing arts and reflects on his artistic background in Iran. He then discusses the lack of freedom of expression in Iran and reminisces about his travels to Greece and Canada. Choosing to reside permanently in British Columbia, he has been living in this city for years.

Morteza has explored various avenues to obtain government grants but has been unsuccessful each time. He sees bureaucracy as a barrier that hinders artists and has found his solution, funding his productions at his own expense. Nonetheless, he has successfully staged several performances.

He mentions receiving support from fellow city dwellers, with many volunteering their services to help him bring his art to the city's stage.

Morteza attributes his success to solidarity and believes that immigrants should not wait for assistance but rather be the best support for each other.

He finds satisfaction in freely bringing his thoughts to the stage in Canada and considers freedom of expression the wings of artists.

He hopes that smaller communities and their art will receive more attention, and successful artists will garner more support to accomplish valuable work.

Guest: Morteza Moshtaghi Director and Writer

Journalist: Majid Mahichi

Skyrise Media Society