Hadi Marzban (April 4, 1944 – December 2, 1404) stands among the pivotal figures whose names are inseparably woven into the fabric of modern Iranian theater. As a director, actor, designer, and educator, he belonged to the rare generation that carried the post-Qajar and early Pahlavi theatrical traditions into the late 20th century, while simultaneously shaping a style that accommodated the intellectual, political, and emotional climate of post-revolutionary Iran. Throughout nearly five decades of artistic activity, Marzban introduced visual discipline, dramaturgical precision, and psychological nuance into Iranian stagecraft—qualities that made him a trusted interpreter of Akbar Radi’s dramaturgy and a mentor to several new generations of actors and directors.
This text offers a comprehensive account of his life, artistic evolution, theatrical philosophy, body of work, teaching experiences, personal character, and the cultural legacy he left behind. It also situates his contributions within the broader social transformations that marked Iran from the 1960s through the early 21st century.
