HUSKS FROM IRAN

Inspired by the recent movement in Iran led by women, Husks from Iran explores themes of resistance, exile, and artistic integrity. The title references the original material of shadow puppets and symbolizes the fragility of immigrants and exiled artists. The piece weaves an abstract collage of poetry by Iranian poets who were imprisoned or forced into exile for opposing dictatorship.

The story follows an Iranian immigrant artist reflecting on the purpose of art and the challenge of preserving artistic integrity in the diaspora. She grapples with questions: Is she still responsible for her community in Iran, in the diaspora, both, or neither? And if so, how can she create art that speaks to them while remaining free from propaganda? Her search for answers leads her to explore the lives of four exiled Iranian poets, each navigating similar struggles.

The puppets, designed by Deniz Khateri, draw inspiration from Persian calligraphy and Iranian architectural forms. The project has been featured in the American Theatre Magazine, awarded the Jim Henson Workshop Grant, selected for the Jumpstart Festival at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club, and invited for the 2026 Puppet Festival at La MaMa , where the full production will premiere in November 2026.

Born and raised in Tehran, Deniz Khateri is a New York–based multidisciplinary artist working in theater, experimental music-theater, contemporary opera, and animation. Her work explores memory, grief, immigration, and home. A Dramatists guild and Actors Equity member, she is a PEN America Dream Out Loud selected playwright and a former La MaMa Season 64 resident artist, with additional residencies at University Settlement, New Perspectives Theatre, and the Center at West Park. Deniz has received the Al-Bustan Award for her solo show A Bach’eh who wanted to become Bach, the UNIMA-USA Nancy Staub Award for excellence in writing for puppetry, and awards supporting her projects from NYFA, NYSCA, and the Jim Henson Foundation. Her writing has been published in American Theatre magazine, Puppetry International, and by Brill. Her Oscar-qualified animated documentary series Diasporanexplores immigrant life and has screened internationally. She holds an MA from Hunter College, where she teaches as an adjunct lecturer.

Husks from Iran is made possible in part with public funds from New York State Council on the Arts with the support of New York State Governor and the New York State Legislature. The public events are funded in part by Creative Engagement supported by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.