Leili & Majnun

A dynamic staging of Leili & Majnun, celebrated Persian poet Nizami’s timeless tale of star-crossed lovers, often cited as source inspiration for Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Written and directed by Torange Yeghiazarian, this adaptation of the epic poem centers Leili's experience. Performed in English with Persian poetry and live music.

As told in the 12th-century in Persian by master poet, Nizami Ganjavi, this ancient Arab fable revolves around the title characters who meet as children in school and fall in love. Leili’s family’s rejects their marriage, which drives Majnun mad (Majnun literally means ‘mad’ in Arabic). Unexpected from a woman at that time, Leili resists her family and society’s expectations, and finds a way to be with Majnun — albeit briefly and with tragic results. Leili & Majnun might be known as a tragedy and Majnun as the ultimate tragic hero, yet in Leili, Nizami has created a female Arab character that is educated, smart, a skilled poet, and an articulate adult that exercises agency and stands her ground. While this adaptation remains faithful to Nizami’s original narrative and dramatic tone, the narrative foregrounds Leili’s experience.

The performance is a unique fusion of Iranian Naghali and American musical theatre, developed within a collaborative ensemble framework. Traditionally in Iran, epic poems are performed solo by a Naghal, an epic story-teller, most often a man who would narrate the story, voice all the characters, and make all the sound effects. In this adaptation, the role of the Naghal is performed by a woman, and the narration is shared among the ensemble members who, like a Naghal, tell the story, perform as various characters, and also break the fourth wall to make contemporary connections to their local audience.

This production is made in community: The celebrated creative team of Iranian-American talent includes scenic designer and award-winning visual artist Mokhtar Paki, whose minimal and elegant scenic design made of canvas and bamboo, will evoke Bedouin tents; and composer Sirvan Manhoobi who brings a mix of ancient Arabic magham and traditional Persian and Kurdish melodies.

2025 Ensemble: Sofia Ahmad, Yasaman Asgari, Behzad Golemohammadi, Brandon DiPaola, Zaya Kolia, Roeen Nooran, and Dina Zarif. Musicians: Sara Saberi (oud, tanbur, daf, frame drum, vocals) & Josh Mellinger (percussion)

2025 Creative Team: Dramaturgy by Nakissa Etemad. Music Direction & Transition Music Composition by Sara Saberi, Dance Choreography by Lisa Tateosian, Fight Choreography by Brandon DiPaola, Costume Design by Maggie Whittaker, Lighting Design by Alejandro Acosta. Stage manager: Lindsay Howard.

Photos by Ako Salemi