The London-born actor reflects on identity and belonging as she stars in the adaptation of a horror film about the Iran-Iraq war
Category: Arts & Culture
Leila Farzad, a London-born actor, is set to explore her complex relationship with her Iranian heritage in the upcoming play Under the Shadow, which opens in June 2026 at the Almeida Theatre. Farzad, who has not been able to return to Iran since her teenage years, plays a mother and aspiring doctor living through the harrowing Iran-Iraq war in Tehran, a role deeply shaped by her own experiences and identity.
The adaptation of the acclaimed 2016 horror film captures the struggles of a mother and daughter during a tumultuous period in Iranian history, echoing with contemporary audiences facing their own traumas from conflict. For Farzad, the production arrives at a moment when her connection to her homeland feels particularly poignant. "It’s strange to belong to a country that I cannot travel to myself," she reflects, highlighting the nuances of belonging and separation that permeate her performance.
Farzad, born in 1981—just over a year into the Iran-Iraq conflict—spent her childhood summers in Iran, visiting her grandmother's house. She describes her connection to the country as "so familiar yet foreign," feeling a deep sense of belonging in a place that has become increasingly inaccessible due to the complications of her career choice. The play's setting, confined to an apartment in Tehran, offers a claustrophobic lens through which to view the impacts of war.
In her role as Shideh, Farzad portrays the everyday civilian experience during the conflict, a departure from previous roles that often relegated her to stereotypes of Middle Eastern women. She emphasizes this evolution in her career, stating, "Now, I’m not the other. This is an Iranian story set in Tehran." This shift is particularly relevant as she collaborates with a diverse team, including Sudanese director Nadia Latif and Lebanese writer Carmen Nasr, bringing together women from different backgrounds who have faced the harsh realities of war.
Set against the backdrop of the Iran-Iraq war, Under the Shadow reflects a period that has shaped much of modern Iranian life. The war, which lasted from 1980 to 1988, resulted in immense suffering and loss, with the effects still felt today. Farzad notes that most Iranians speak in terms of "before the revolution or after the revolution," with the 1979 Islamic Revolution serving as a defining moment in their lives. After the revolution, the country underwent drastic changes, including the reversal of women’s rights and a breakdown of relations with the United States.
Farzad's own memories are intertwined with this historical shift, as she navigated her identity growing up in London. Her career in acting has not come without challenges; she faced typecasting and struggled to find roles that resonated with her personal narrative. Her breakthrough came with the series I Hate Suzie, which earned her a BAFTA nomination and marked a turning point in her career. This recognition has fueled her desire to authentically represent her heritage, particularly during a time when Iranian narratives are laden with historical significance.
As she prepares for her role in Under the Shadow, Farzad acknowledges the responsibility she feels to accurately portray the emotional toll of war on mothers. "She can’t wallow in ‘why me’… There’s an enemy that may bomb you at any point," she explains, emphasizing the difficulty of maintaining a sense of normalcy in the face of chaos. This theme resonates with contemporary parenting issues, as Farzad draws parallels between her character’s struggles and her own experiences as a mother to an 11-year-old child.
The production of Under the Shadow opens at the Almeida Theatre in June 2026, running until July 4th. Farzad’s portrayal of Shideh serves as a powerful dramatic narrative and as a poignant reminder of the enduring effects of war and the complexity of identity. The play aims to bridge cultural divides, inviting audiences to engage with the stories of those affected by conflict.
Farzad’s commitment to authentic storytelling is evident as she reflects on her heritage and the narratives that shape her identity. She shares a touching moment with her family, stating, "I could say to my mum, ‘I’m on television, it’s OK,’” underscoring the pride she feels in embracing her roots. As the opening night approaches, the anticipation builds around how this adaptation will resonate with audiences, particularly in a world where the echoes of past conflicts continue to shape present realities.
With a rich narrative that intertwines personal and political themes, Under the Shadow will likely be more than just a theatrical performance; it is a reflection of the resilience of those who navigate the challenges of identity, belonging, and the scars of war. As Farzad steps into the role of Shideh, she carries with her the weight of history and the hopes of a new generation seeking to understand their place in an ever-evolving narrative.