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Melina Namdar

Director Writer

Pronouns: She/Her

Melina is a visionary British Iranian writer and director hailing from West London. In 2022, she attained the prestigious National Theatre/Peter Shaffer Commission in collaboration with Tamasha Theatre, a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to pushing the boundaries.

Her unique perspective and working-class roots infuse her projects with authenticity and depth. Fuelled by an unwavering passion, she is dedicated to championing the stories of those often unheard and underrepresented.

In addition to her directorial achievements, Melina's talents as a writer have garnered recognition, earning her a place on the longlist for the BBC Script Room 2021 and The Women’s Prize In Playwriting.

Melina's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion shines through in every aspect of her work. Through her creative endeavors, she not only entertains but also sparks conversations that resonate. Melina's journey as a director and writer is a testament to her unwavering dedication to placing the stories of the global majority at the forefront of the artistic landscape.

Credits

DIRECTOR, Vitamin D, Rosemary Branch Theatre/ Lawrence Batley Theatre/ Octagon Theatre/The Edge, 2023

DIRECTOR, SOMALI(LAND) R&D, Bush Theatre, 2023

DIRECTOR, All The Happy Things, Theatre503, 2022

DIRECTOR, Passionfruit, New Diorama, 2022

DIRECTOR, You'll Be Fine, Kenneth More Theatre, 2021

DIRECTOR, Together We Can, Lyric Hammersmith, 2017

DIRECTOR, X&Y, Lyric Hammersmith, 2017


Associate Director, Arabian Nights, Bristol Old Vic, 2023/2024

Assistant Director, Hot In Here, Gate Theatre, 2023

Assistant Director, Baghdaddy, The Royal Court, 2022

Boris Karloff Trainee Assistant Director, Orfeus: A House Music Opera, Young Vic, 2020

Assistant Director, Ctrl Alt Delete, Lyric Hammersmith, 2015

Training

Tamasha Director's Scheme - Tamasha
Playing Up - National Youth Theatre
Lyric Young Company - Lyric Hammersmith
Screenwriting - BFI Residential

Location

London

Experience

10+ years

Art forms / Disciplines

  • Comedy
  • Film - documentary
  • Film - feature
  • Film - short
  • Theatre / Live perfomance
  • TV - documentary
  • TV - drama

What I do

  • Devising
  • Directing
  • Dramaturgy
  • Editing
  • Facilitating
  • Theatre making
  • Workshopping & Development
  • Writing

Additional Languages

Farsi

Social