Screenshot of my role as Cynthia, the “psycho” analyst from upcoming supernatural thriller, Remote Viewing by Robert Puccinelli starring actor/filmmaker, Joe Swanberg. This independent film is currently in post and will hitting the festival circuit soon. Stay tuned for local screenings info!
I had the pleasure of being a player in this feature film that’s based on a true story. Here’s the current schedule and info on the film including numerous showings across the country this Father’s Day Weekend and beyond! http://bit.ly/11Kfsxn
Gene Siskel Film Center showings: http://www.siskelfilmcenter.org/waterwalk
Updated theatrical demo. Selected clips of my independent film and TV work.
Directed by Michael Slovis. With Christian Castro, Ryan Kitley, Diana Simonzadeh.
I will be on Chicago Fire in a co-starring role this Wednesday, May 8 at 9pm Central on NBC (Leaders Lead - season 1, episode 22)! http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2801896/
“Risk more than others think is safe. Care more than others think is wise. Dream more than others think is practical. Expect more than others think is possible.” - Cadet Maxim
Diana Simonzadeh - AEA
At the 44th Annual Equity Jeff Awards. I was presenting the award for best supporting actress in a play. Photo by Johnny Knight.
At the 43rd Annual 2011 Equity Jeff Awards. I was receiving the Jeff Award for Best Supporting Actress in Wajdi Mouawad’s highly acclaimed and Jeff Nominated play, SCORCHED performed at Silk Road Rising! In Scorched I played the old incarnation of the tragic heroine, Nawal Marwan as well as the role of Nazira. Here are the Jeff Award Photos taken from the evening of the event. Photos courtesy of photographer, Johnny Knight.
“That mother, whose name is Nawal, is played by three different women - …, most movingly, Diana Simonzadeh, who’ll get you right where you’re lucky to live.”
“Diana Simonzadeh is breathtaking as Old Nawal, boldly traversing an emotional landscape that borders on asking too much of an actor. She brings a true grace to her performance that is enthralling…Director Dale Heinen puts together a solid cast with a few performances that are nothing short of incredible.”
Venus Zarris - Chicago Stage Review
“Under the strong direction of Dale Heinen, the three actresses who portray Nawal - particularly the altogether riveting Simonzadeh - are superb.”
Hedy Weiss - Chicago Sun Times
“…the glorious Diana Simonzadeh. All three of these women shine in bringing this character to life, but be prepared, you might want to bring a tissue or two for the final scenes played to perfection by Ms Simonzadeh.”
Alan Bresloff - Around the Town Chicago
“Diana Simonzadeh, as their mother in her old age, delivering a pivotal monologue so full of hurt and grieving, your heart seems to stop.”
Francis Sadac - From the Ledge
“As theatre, Scorched contains several strong performances. Diana Simonzadeh as Old Nawal,… were particularly effective.”
“And the superb Chicago premiere production, directed by Dale Heinen, succeeds completely. The first-rate ensemble totally invest themselves in their multiple roles.”
Albert Williams - Chicago Reader
“Silk Road’s Chicago premiere production, well directed by Dale Heinen and marvelously acted by a cast led by Diana Simonzadeh, impressively balanced the painful naturalism and the diaphanous memory play that were meticulously linked in Mouwad’s masterful writing.”
http://www.fromtheledge.com/theater/2010s-wondrous-ten
“More SCORCHED reviews!”
As Nawal Marwan in Scorched Photo by Michael Brosilow
As Old Nawal Marwan Photo by Michael Brosilow
Diana as Inanna. Photo from My Name is Inanna performed as a staged reading at Silk Road Rising. http://www.silkroadrising.org/live-theater/my-name-is-inanna-medea-was-born-in-fallujah
as Inanna in My Name is Inanna, performed as a staged reading at Silk Road Rising. http://www.silkroadrising.org/live-theater/my-name-is-inanna-medea-was-born-in-fallujah
as Inanna in My Name is Inanna, performed as a staged reading at Silk Road Rising. http://www.silkroadrising.org/live-theater/my-name-is-inanna-medea-was-born-in-fallujah
Diana Simonzadeh as older Alice (also Alice’s mother earlier in play) in Night Over Erzinga written by Adriana Sevahn Nichols. The World Premiere is currently playing at Silk Road Rising through November 11, 2012. Photo by Michael Brosilow.
My reviews for Night Over Erzinga!
“Playing her mother (as each character) is the enchanting Diana Simonzadeh, who is both captivating and touching as the ghostly characters… - Alan Bresloff Around the Town Chicago http://www.aroundthetownchicago.com/theatre-reviews/night-over-erzinga/
“The always stunning Diana Simonzadeh who will make you weep for the love of your own mother with her portrayal as the mortal (and ghostly) matriarchs.” - Michael Roberts Oct 14, 2012. http://showbizchicago.com/review-silk-road-risings-night-over-erzinga/
“A haunting performance is given by Diana Simonzadeh first as Alice’s wise mother, then later as the older Alice after years of institutionalization. http://www.talkinbroadway.com/regional/chicago/ch415.html
“With big expressive eyes and often saying nothing, Diana Simonzadeh (older Alice) haunts the stage. Simonzadeh perfectly illustrates a woman trapped in her own pain and hope.” - Katy Walsh Chicago Theatre Beat http://chicagotheaterbeat.com/2012/10/15/review-night-over-erzinga-silk-road-rising/#review
“… and Diana Simonzadeh manage to be both astonishingly familiar and exotically unique.” - Lawrence Bommer Oct 14, 2012 http://www.stageandcinema.com/2012/10/14/night-over-erzinga/
“Portes has assembled a terrific ensemble” - Kerri Reid Chicago Tribune http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/theater/theaterloop/ct-ent-1018-erzinga-review-20121017,0,7059140.story
Diana Simonzadeh turns in a nuanced, heart-wrenching performance as guilt-ridden Safiyeh. Thoughtfully staged by Jason Southerland, this Next Theatre production is sure to stir opinions and emotions. —Marissa Oberlander
http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/Event?oid=1560806
Diana Simonzadeh as Safiyeh does some of the best on stage aging I have ever seen, both physically and emotionally. She goes from a playful, happy young mother to a wise, angry, regretful old woman without ever losing a bit of integrity or honesty.
http://chicagotheaterblog.com/2010/02/15/return-to-haifa/
…and Diana Simonzadeh rendered emotionally deep and honest performances that you’ll not soon forget. Lewis’ writing is tight, accurate and explosive. Return to Haifa is a most worthy world premiere.
http://chicagocritic.com/return-to-haifa/
Safiyeh (brilliantly played by Diana Simonzadeh)
Alan Bresloff - Steadstyle Chicago
Diana Simonzadeh in Return to Haifa at Next Theatre
Photo by Michael Brosilow
