Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anahita Monfared. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Anahita, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Growing up, I was sad a lot. Like a lot a lot. I always had friends but I was really lonely, except for when I was reading books. I would spend lunch time in bathroom stalls reading. After school I would take the bus to our local library and read novel after novel, only coming home when I needed to. In high school I worked at a bookstore for four years. I led storytime in the children’s department. Every book became not just an escape from my life but a really exciting invitation into another one. It was life affirming to be surrounded by stories, and therefore by possibilities. It made me feel less alone but it also expanded my imagination for what was possible, in the world, and also for me. This, as a young person growing up in North Vancouver, B.C., a remarkably beautiful but small city I often felt uncomfortable in, was more vital than I could have known. I think it’s part of the reason I felt it wasn’t entirely crazy to move to New York City alone, at 18. A lot of characters in a lot of stories I had read had done much crazier things! I was just playing catch up with their adventures. And my first play had that same awe effect that a book did. So did my first poetry slam and then my first acting class. I became, and still am, quite addicted to the temporary home stories provide. When I watch a show or movie, even if it is just for the hour and a half running time, I feel connected to the world. I feel I have many homes. In this way, “finding my purpose” wasn’t a eureka moment that struck me one day, but a slow burn of realization: I want to spend my life in stories. Whatever medium. However I can. Forever.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m Anahita Monfared – a storyteller based in NYC. I work as an actor, writer and dancer both on-screen and onstage.
I am drawn to stories that slip through cracks or have been flattened into singular versions and I work with text, movement and performance art to bring them to life, again (but for real this time). The areas of fascination in my work include the body politic, sanity, sexuality, violence and disobedience.
I am graduate of NYU Tisch (BFA Drama, ’24). Most recently, I wrapped an adaptation of 1001 Nights at Columbia University, which will be making it’s World Premiere at La MaMa Experimental Theater Club in 2026! Some T.V./Film: “Firefly Lane” (Netflix) , “National Parks” (ABC) and For Her, a feature film centering the ongoing Woman Life Freedom revolution in Iran.
I also help shape arts and theater community in NYC as the Associate Artistic Director of MENA Artists Initiative and the Director of Development at Dyke Theater Co. both two organizations I could not be more in love with!
A former Brooklyn Poets Fellow, my poetry been featured in the Academy of American Poets poem-a-day, Canadian Shores Anthology, Kiwi Magazine, Trash Magazine, and Creaturs Mag. Currently, I am finishing my debut poetry book, “Not This Body” which I will be sharing some exciting updates about soon!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I believe a devotion to craft and constant learning, good old hard work and a hell of a lot of spiritual faith have been what has got me here, and what will continue to get me everywhere I go.
I had an acting teacher once tell us that success happens when luck meets preparation and skill; but that luck alone rarely leads to success, so the key is to be prepared for every opportunity, and to devote your life to progressing in your chosen craft(s).
What was missing from this equation, that I believe has made all the difference for me; is faith. A spiritual trust in Goddess, Source, or Spirit, or the universe, or whatever bigger than yourself that affirms you, and holds you when the chaos of an artistic life is too much. Something that grounds you in this belief: that things are already working out for you. That your hard work will be matched ten folds in ways you can’t possibly conceive of right now. That the universe is plotting for your inevitable success. That it is all, yes all, going to work out. You just have to trust! (And work your motherfucking ass off – so when your angels make the stars align for you, you are ready for it).
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
The Artist’s Way!!! The famous creativity recovery workbook by Julia Cameron has changed my life more than I ever could have expected, and honestly, when I started the 12 week course, I had high expectations! It is one of the most holistic, healing and generous offerings that holds your hands as you confront your past, your present, and dream, but most importantly, act on the future you want, the future worth putting in the work for. If I could recommend any book to anyone, it would be this one. Literally drop everything you are doing, get a copy, and get to play!
One of my favorite quotes Julia Cameron shares is “Leap and the net will appear”. This is my motto. I have it written on a post-it note by the desk I sit at where I do everything – from my morning pages, to my grant applications, emails, Actor’s Access submissions – it is my constant reminder that the universe will hold me, I just have to give it chances to. And don’t get me wrong — when taking risks, creatively, professionally, personally you name it – I feel fear! But I feel fear and do the thing anyways. This book helped me realize that fear is my friend. Fear is my indicator of growth. But also, that fear doesn’t need to be such a big deal. Fear just means I am taking the right risks, and muscling through this discomfort will lead me to a future I can get really excited by. I don’t need to worry so much about my fear, I can just leap. The net will appear.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://anahitamonfared.com
- Instagram: anabringsthehita
Image Credits
Photography credits: Leo Brooklyn Baby
Styling and Movement: Kyle Livesky
Makeup: Aidan Rodriguez
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
