Combining high stakes with hijinks, Andy Warhol in Iran imagines an encounter between Pop Art icon Andy Warhol and an Iranian revolutionary. Mosaic Theater Company of DC closes its 10th Anniversary Season with this provocative new comedy, running May 29 through June 29, 2025, at the Atlas Performing Arts Center. Written by Brent Askari and directed by Mosaic’s own Serge Seiden, the play imagines a fictional encounter during Warhol’s real-life trip to Tehran in 1976.
Invited to Iran by Empress Farah to create portraits of the royal family, Warhol’s visit takes a turn when he’s taken hostage by a university student aiming to spotlight his political cause. What follows is a tense, humorous, and thought-provoking battle of ideologies that explores art’s role in society and the personal cost of revolution.
“Andy Warhol in Iran is a roller coaster of emotions—thoughtful, humorous and deeply moving,” Seiden said. “It’s about truly seeing each other across deep divides.”
The two-person cast features acclaimed DC actor Alex Mills as Warhol and LA-based Nathan Mohebbi as the passionate student, Farhad.
Mosaic Artistic Director Reginald L. Douglas noted that the play’s central questions—about justice, humanity, and the power of art—are core to Mosaic’s mission: “This is a play that makes you laugh, think and feel. It’s about finding humanity in others and our responsibility to help make our world a more just place for people of all backgrounds, including those vastly different from ourselves.”
Andy Warhol in Iran debuted in 2022 and has since earned accolades across the country. As part of the production, Mosaic continues its Reflection Series with post-show programming designed to spark dialogue, including artist talks, intergenerational matinees, and events in partnership with Capital Pride and the DC Public Library.
Save 20% on tickets!
Used code ANDYPOP to save 20% on tickets. Valid on performances from June 6-June 14. Not valid on Sunday matinees. Offer expires June 14.
