Iliya, a Ph.D. student in Performance Studies (PFS) with a Designated Emphasis on Science and Technology Studies (STS), focuses on research in posthumanism, game studies, feminist and queer studies, postcolonial studies, media studies, surveillance, and censorship. His current research delves into the performativity of protests and the public sphere(s) in the digital revolution, closely focusing on the “Women, Life, Freedom” movement in Iran. Iliya’s academic background includes research affiliations with the Center of Experimental Theater at the University of Tehran and the Center of Applied Drama at the Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research.

Iliya’s artistic practice revolves around social and political issues, adopting an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. As an artist, he explores a range of genres, including cyberformance, game theater, immersive theater, documentary theater, devised theater, and guerrilla theater, resulting in a distinctive style. He is currently working on developing a site-specific AR game utilizing locative media which can be a platform for artivism. His collaborations extend to well-known international artists in their field, as well as individuals from diverse disciplines, contributing to celebrated projects like “Danger of a Cluster Bomb”,”Cyber-Attack”, ”Akbar-Bazi”, and “Zugzwang.”

In addition to their artistic endeavors, Iliya is actively involved in community work. He has served as the artistic director for various student theater festivals, such as the 20th and 21st Tajrobeh Student Theater Festival, and has partnered with NGOs in Iran, such as the Association for Protection of Child Laborers (APCL) and The Children’s Book Council of Iran. Furthermore, Iliya has shared his expertise as an educator, teaching a variety of theater and performance arts classes and masterclasses at colleges and universities, as well as courses designed for Children.