Hadi Marzban, a leading figure in Iranian performing arts, died at 81 and left a lasting Iran theater legacy. His death occurred on Sunday, November 22, after several days of treatment in an intensive care unit. Moreover, his family described a rapid decline caused by pancreatic complications. Consequently, the news shocked artistic circles across the country.
Before his hospitalization, Marzban prepared a new stage production titled Parizad. Additionally, he reviewed design plans and scheduled early rehearsals. However, his sudden medical emergency halted the project and created uncertainty for his team.
Marzban was born in Sabzevar in April 1944 and shaped modern Iranian theater for decades. Furthermore, he directed major productions such as The Magnificent Smile of Mr. Gil, The Staircase, and Second Actor’s Memories. He also staged works like Little Lady and the Balcony, Wet Cobblestones, and Our Night-Blooming Garden. As a result, many younger artists credit him for strengthening an enduring Iran theater legacy.
His partnership with playwright Akbar Radi became one of his most influential contributions. Radi’s scripts reached wider audiences because Marzban staged them during challenging cultural periods. In addition, critics praised his ability to maintain Radi’s voice while adapting each work for new eras.
Marzban earned a master’s degree in theater design and directing from Brunel University in the United Kingdom. Later, the Ministry of Culture awarded him the First-Class Artistic Medal. He also entered cinema in 1986 when he acted in Forest Ranger, directed by Manouchehr Haqani-Parast.
During a 2017 interview, he criticized broken promises from cultural officials. Furthermore, he argued that theater professionals faced chronic financial stress. He noted that no production escaped funding gaps and questioned the lack of long-term solutions.
His death followed the recent passing of filmmaker and writer Nasser Taghvai, who died at 84. Taghvai gained fame for Uncle Napoleon and frequently discussed political pressures on independent creators. Together, their deaths intensified public debate about support for cultural workers.
Analysts expect increased scrutiny of upcoming cultural budgets. Moreover, they believe arts organizations will demand stronger funding structures. They also anticipate new cooperation among private and nonprofit institutions seeking financial stability.
Friends and colleagues now plan memorial events and documentation projects. Their goal is to preserve his achievements and protect an essential Iran theater legacy for future generations.