We are a writing duo with Hengameh born in Shiraz, Iran and Rice, in Edmonton, Alberta. Our debut play, Anahita’s Republic, was nominated for two Dora Mavor Moore awards including outstanding new play in Toronto for a Bustle & Beast production at Factory Theatre (2023) and was self-produced in Edmonton and nominated for three Sterling awards including Outstanding Independent Production at the Backstage Theatre (2023). It has also had readings in Regina (On Cue Performance Hub), Toronto (Nowadays Theatre and Tarragon Theatre) and Montreal (Teesri Duniya Theatre).
In Farsi, AuTash simply means “fire.” Fire, like words and ideas, can play many different roles. It can burn away stereotypes revealing the people behind them. It can also light the way to new understanding and appreciation for a part of the world rarely seen on Alberta stages. That’s what AuTash hopes their writing can do.