Oral history interview with Firoozeh Ahmadzedeh interviewed by Fereshteh Mozaffari

00:17 Interviewer introduction. [CHAIR SQUEAKING]

00:21 Confirms name and place of birth.

00:50 Lived most of her life in Tehran due to dad’s job. Moved between Tehran and Gilan when growing up. Lived in Tehran for 35 years before moving to the UK.

01:34 Memories of a happy childhood. Nature had a big influence on her decision to become an artist.

01: 40 Mother and sister are artists. Mother is an outgoing person who writes poetry. Father supportive of his wife.

03:30 Describes how the Islamic Revolution changed their lives forever. Bad memories of that time. Family suffered due to royal connections. Family and friends threatened.

06:30 Interviewer asks about life before the Revolution. ‘This question can remind me a lot of nice memories.’ Father’s job involved travel in a company car. Mother gave out presents to villagers. These memories influenced her as a writer and painter.

09:22 As a child, found lullabies sad. Mother sang popular songs, read poems. Explored lullabies, later as a musician. Gives an example of Dashti melody. Didn’t like to sing that melody to her sons. Read poems from Hafez , Saadi , Molana Rumi .

12:24 Sings Hezar Dastan (هزار دستان) by Qamar. Sings Amad Amad (آمد آمد ) by Delkash.

14:52 School memories of before the Revolution and her favourite subjects. In high school, did morning exercise to Iranian pop music. Music played loud at break times. Names a few pop singers of that time.

19: 17 Interviewer asks about changes after the Revolution. Firoozeh describes the impact on her sons. Gives examples of the disciplinary system in schools: the dress codes, hair styles, and physical punishment for mistakes.

23:28 Returns to life after the Revolution. Began playing guitar and piano. Found her favourite instrument – Iranian sitar. Learned classical singing and sculpture, staged a few exhibitions. Studied traditional music at university.

26:50 Made a living from private teaching. The difficulties of sustaining herself as an artist. Explains why she didn’t prioritise money. Friends supported her by buying art work. Difficulties finding employment. Taught poor students for free.

29:22 Married 33 years ago, divorced after 7 years. Has 2 boys. [STREET NOISES IN THE BACKGROUND] Unhappy at her wedding. Describes her misgivings about committing to marital stereotypes.

37:00 When asked about life after divorce, takes a deep breath. Family supported her. Explains the difference between women’s right in the UK and Iran. Fought with negative energy. Discusses the difficulties of life after divorce and the dispute with her husband for custody of their children.

42:05 Moved to the UK in 2013. The shock and the difficulties of starting a new life: ‘It was hard because I didn’t decide to come here.’

42:50 Lists the reasons why she was forced to flee Iran: played in a movie, wrote about forbidden subjects, published underground books.

44:11 About leaving: ‘It was a big shock’. Returns to the reasons why she had to leave. Lost everything but happy to be out of the reach of Iranian officials.

47:38 Experience of learning English. Engagement with arts in the UK. Explains the difference between creating art in Iran and the UK and the barriers she has faced as an artist. Lacks the resources needed.

52:28 Enjoyed listening to Western music in the past, as it helped her to connect with universe. Now listens to every kind of music.

54:15 Discusses shopping and food. Explains why she doesn’t spend a lot of time cooking. Sometimes prepares Iranian food. Lives with one son. Older son lives in London. Discusses life in Stockport; likes the area.

56:47 Reads a poem by Rumi.

59:37 Final words. Saying thank you.

59:48 End of the interview.