Ep 8: Thriving in Showbiz with an unapologetically ethnic name - Majid Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy’s Journey from Luke to Majid

From humorous and humbling moments like falling off stage to profound revelations, Majid shares his experiences of changing his stage name to fit in and later, of reclaiming his Iranian heritage. We delve into the nuances of identity, the mixed-race experience, and the pressures to change oneself or chip away parts of yourself in order to meet the expectations of others and fit neatly into society’s categories. 

Episode breakdown:

• Introduction to Actor, Theatre director and writer Majid Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy 

• An exploration into Majid's decision to initially change his stage name to Luke Jerdy to appear more British and his eventual return to his Iranian name. A look into the motivations, fears, and catalysts behind these decisions.

• A reflection on the impact of his name changes on his personal and professional identity

• His journey from identifying as white to acknowledging his mixed-race heritage

• Recounting his experiences growing up in a mixed Iranian and British family and facing bullying in school, as well as the challenges of hiding an interest in acting

• A discussion about the seeming commonality among mixed individuals of feeling unable to fully embrace all aspects around identity

• A conversation about his Iranian side and feelings around not being as connected to one side of your heritage.

• Majid’s thoughts on playing Iranian roles and the colorism/stereotypes around those castings.

• The advantages and challenges Majid faces in the industry after having reclaimed his Iranian name

• Discussion on the pressures mixed actors have faced in the past to conform to certain names or identities, referencing the article titled: ‘How ethnic actors changing their names perpetuates Hollywood’s racism’

• A look at how the industry is changing to embrace diversity, yet still grappling with present and past underlying biases 

• A conclusion with ‘The Bill of Rights for People of Mixed Race Heritage’ by Dr Maria P.P. Root

 

Special Guests:

Majid Mehdizadeh-Valoujerdy

Majid is a father and a husband, an actor, theater director, writer and teacher. Amongst many notable credits he played the lead role of Albert in ‘War Horse’, in London’s West End, he also wrote and performed his own one man show ‘Young Man’s Angry Movements’, across prestigious theaters in the UK, he played series regular Jesse Donovan on the UK TV show ‘Hollyoaks’. At the beginning of July he finished playing a lead role in the Neil LaBoute play ‘The Shape of Things’ at the Park theater in London and he recently wrapped filming on Season 14 of Doctor Who.Directing wise, he made his professional directing debut in July 2022 at the Blue Elephant Theatre, London, where he directed a new play, Give Me the Sun, by Mamet Leigh. The creative team was made up entirely of Middle Eastern and North African artists.

He has taught and directed at RADA, LIPA, Mountview, Drama Studio London and is now teaching at UEL on their Acting for Stage and Screen Course.

 

Instagram: @majidmvj

 

Links:

how-ethnic-actors-changing-their-names-perpetuates-hollywoods-racism

https://thewildcattribune.com/14421/opinion/how-ethnic-actors-changing-their-names-perpetuates-hollywoods-racism

 

Sir Ben Kingsley's identity is as colourful as his characters

https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/sir-ben-kingsleys-identity-is-as-colourful-as-his-characters/

Bill of Rights for People of Mixed Heritage - Maria P.P. Root

https://www.apa.org/pubs/videos/4310742-rights.pdf

 

 

Additional info on the Podcast:

Hosts: Amy Maghera -Taub, Hanna-Lee Sakakibara

Music: Mathias Kunzli - www.mathiasjunzli.com

 

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