This ensemble performed both original and adapted works for television, bringing theater to homes across Iran for the first time. Their plays combined humor, social realism, and traditional elements—echoing the rhythms of everyday life in Iranian neighborhoods. The opening of the Sangelaj Theater in 1965 marked another milestone. The People’s Theater Group made Sangelaj their creative home, staging dozens of influential productions that helped educate audiences and elevate the cultural status of Iranian theater.
Transition to Cinema: From Stage to Screen
Ali Nasirian’s first appearance in cinema came with Dariush Mehrjui’s legendary film The Cow (Gav) (1969), based on Gholam Hossein Saedi’s story. The film, considered one of the founding works of the Iranian New Wave, introduced realism and psychological depth into Iranian cinema. Nasirian’s performance captured the emotional fragility of rural life and reflected a deep understanding of human suffering. The Cow received international acclaim and remains one of the cornerstones of Iranian cinematic history.
