Episode 31: Advocating for Representation in Media and the Arts | Behzad Dabu
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I’m so grateful to have Behzad Dabu here. He is a dear friend that I was excited to interview. I have loved watching him grow as a person and also as an actor.
This episode is going to be wonderful for everyone listening to get a birds eye of what it’s like living and breathing the arts!
Behzad Dabu is an actor, producer, and activist based out of both Los Angeles and Chicago. He grew up in Syracuse, NY, and got his BFA in Acting from Columbia College Chicago, where he also worked after college as the Senior International Admissions Officer; traveling all over the world working with students and their families on creating careers in the arts.
He has worked extensively on stage at some of the best theaters in the country, especially in Chicago, and is a proud company member at TimeLine Theatre Company which presents stories inspired by history that connect with today’s social and political issues.
With a passion for working with playwrights and new play development, he originated the role of 'Amit' in "Samsara" at Victory Gardens Theatre, for which he was nominated for a Jeff Award - Best Actor. He also originated the role of 'Abe' in the Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony-nominated play, "Disgraced" which he performed at American Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Berkeley Repertory, Seattle Repertory, and the Mark Taper Forum at Center Theatre Group.
On screen, you can see him as 'Simon Drake' on Seasons 3 and 4 of How To Get Away With Murder on ABC, as 'Amir' on the Showtime series The Chi, and on Disney’s The Lion Guard. He also appeared in episodes of The Good Place, Chicago P.D., Drive Share, You're So Talented, Dealbreakers; and in the films Hoop, King Rat, Mondo Hollywoodland, Imperfections, Older Children; as well as various national commercials.
Behzad strives to be a strong advocate for social justice and equality, particularly in regards to representation in the arts and media; and is a founding member of The Chicago Inclusion Project, which seeks to level the playing field and provide resources in the arts for people of color, women, LGBTQ, and people with disabilities. He is a skilled audience engagement facilitator and experienced post-show discussion leader.
Behzad is a proud member of AEA and SAG-AFTRA.
In today’s episode we talk about meeting in college, his amazing work ethic and brining fun everywhere he went, how he brought his characters alive while acting, and his favorite highlights from the shows he worked in.
We also discuss privilege, and Behzad’s work and representation with people of color, women, LGBTQ, and people with disabilities, and how shows, movies, plays, represent these people the same way over and over.
Behzad is passionate about the systemic situations in society that affect a person’s ability to function at a fair and equal level.
We can all learn and grow and change for the better. Behzad’s work is about encouraging people to put in the effort to see what they can do to make a difference and create more cultural awareness.
We can all take more action steps to be better, whatever that means to you. You can find a community for anything you can imagine. As Behzad says, “If there isn’t one, you can create one! You can find like-minded people in your community to help make a difference.”
This was such a great conversation, I hope you enjoy it. Reach out to me on Instagram or on Linkedin, I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Find out more about Behzad and connect with him here:
Website | Instagram | Facebook
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