Hengameh E. Rice is the pen name of a playwriting duo from Edmonton, Alberta.Liam Newbigging, "Hengameh E. Rice Is Two People". EDify, July 31, 2023. They are most noted for their theatrical play Anahita's Republic.Karen Fricker, "Play ‘Anahita’s Republic’ gives a sharp-edged view of the struggle for women’s rights in Iran". Toronto Star, March 20, 2023.
The duo consists of "Hengameh", an Iranian-born immigrant who left the country after the 2009 killing of Neda Agha-Soltan, and "Rice", an Edmonton native. They keep their individual identities private to protect themselves from retribution as Anahita's Republic is strongly critical of the Iranian government.
The play premiered at Toronto's Factory Theatre in March 2023, and was staged at Edmonton's Backstage Theatre in May.Liam Newbigging, "A Republic of Her Own". EDify, May 25, 2023. The play was a Dora Mavor Moore Award nominee for Best Original Play, Independent Theatre in 2023.Hélène Crowley, "Announcing the 2023 Dora Mavor Moore Award Winners". Intermission Magazine, June 27, 2023.
References