April 22, 2025
City Council
DATE: April 22, 2025
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Council Member Soheila Bana
Subject:
Proclamation Recognizing and Honoring Mansour Taeed
and Shahrzad Khorsandi for Asian American and Pacific
Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
May is nationally recognized as Asian American and
Pacific Islander Heritage Month—a time to acknowledge
the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of AAPI communities across the United States. As part of
Richmond's observance of AAPI Heritage Month, it is
important to uplift and recognize the artists and cultural leaders within our own community who have preserved,
promoted, and enriched the cultural life of our city.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
PROCLAMATION to recognize and honor Mansour
Taeed and Shahrzad Khorsandi, co-founders of Central
Stage, as outstanding Iranian American artists, and
Central Stage Theater for its vital grassroots role in
preserving and celebrating Iranian American culture -
Council Member Soheila Bana (510-672-3490).
AGENDA
REPORT
April 22, 2025
DISCUSSION:
Central Stage was founded in 2007 in Richmond by Mansour Taeed, a theater artist, and Shahrzad Khorsandi, a master dancer and choreographer. The venue began as a black box theater built with personal savings and community in-kind support, and in 2017 became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization. Central Stage has since grown into a creative hub for the Iranian-American arts community and beyond, hosting acclaimed musicians, actors, filmmakers, and multidisciplinary artists.
Despite receiving no public funding from local government, Central Stage has thrived through grassroots support and continues to provide affordable rehearsal and performance space, professional production services, and a platform for cultural expression and dialogue.
Shahrzad Khorsandi is a pioneer in Iranian dance education and performance, known not only for her book The Art of Persian Dance but also for her dedication to training future generations of dancers and teachers. Her efforts have helped preserve this traditional art form and connect the Iranian-American community to its roots.
Mansour Taeed is a veteran of the Iranian theater scene and a co-founder of Darvag Theatre Group, which began in Berkeley in the 1980s. Through his artistic vision and commitment to community, he has played an essential role in creating spaces for Iranian stories to be told on stage.
May is nationally recognized as Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month—a time to acknowledge the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of AAPI communities across the United States. As part of Richmond's observance of AAPI Heritage Month, it is important to uplift and recognize the artists and cultural leaders within our own community who have preserved, promoted, and enriched the cultural life of our City.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Proclamation Mansour Taeed
Attachment 2 – Proclamation Shahrzad Khorsandi
Attachment 3 – Proclamation Central Stage