Behzad Dabu is an actor, producer, and writer based in Los Angeles. He grew up in Syracuse, NY and got his BFA in Acting from Columbia College Chicago, where he also worked after college as the Senior International Admissions Officer; traveling all over the world working with students and their families on creating careers in the arts.
He has worked extensively on stage at some of the best theaters in the country, especially in Chicago and LA, and is a proud company member at TimeLine Theatre Company which presents stories inspired by history that connect with today’s social and political issues.
With a passion for working with playwrights and new play development, he originated the role of ‘Amit’ in “Samsara” at Victory Gardens Theatre, for which he was nominated for a Jeff Award – Best Actor. He also originated the role of ‘Abe’ in the Pulitzer Prize-winning and Tony-nominated play, “Disgraced” which he performed at American Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre, Berkeley Repertory, Seattle Repertory, and the Mark Taper Forum at Center Theatre Group.
On screen, you can see him as ‘Simon Drake’ on Seasons 3 and 4 of How To Get Away With Murder on ABC, as ‘Amir’ on the Showtime series The Chi, and on Disney’s The Lion Guard. He also appeared in episodes of The Good Place, All Rise, Chicago P.D., Drive Share, You’re So Talented, Dealbreakers; and in the films Mirage, Star Vehicle, Weathering, Pick Up, Hoop, King Rat, Imperfections; as well as various audiobooks, podcasts, and national commercials.
Behzad is the Director of Acting for Hillman Grad, a faculty member at Last Acting Studio, and the Acting Coach for the TV series The CHI. He strives to be a strong advocate in regards to representation in the arts and media; and is a founding member of The Chicago Inclusion Project, which seeks to level the playing field and provide resources in the arts for people of color, women, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities. He is a skilled audience engagement facilitator and experienced post-show discussion leader and is currently directing, producing and starring in Guards At The Taj, a play by Rajiv Joseph at the El Portal Theater. behzaddabu.com
LOS ANGELES, CA- Guards at the Taj, the critically acclaimed play by Rajiv Joseph, will run February 6-22, 2026 at El Portal Theatre (Monroe Forum). Presented by Plan Beh and Luchima Productions, this intimate Los Angeles production marks a historic first by being the first professional production to be granted approval from the playwright to cast a woman in the lead role.
Set centuries ago, yet piercingly relevant today, Guards at the Taj follows two low-ranking imperial guards stationed outside the Taj Mahal before its grand unveiling. An impossible task tests their lifelong friendship, shakes their faith, and shatters their lives forever. This darkly funny and deeply moving play asks us: follow duty or follow beauty?
Directed by Behzad Dabu (How to Get Away with Murder, The Chi, Disgraced), who stars as Babur, the production also features Kausar Mohammed (Jurassic World: Chaos Theory, The Flash. Mo) as Humayun. Both actors are multi-hyphenate artists with deep roots in Los Angeles’ theatre, film, and comedy communities.
Our mission is to invite Los Angeles’ diverse community to feel the pulse of live theatre during a moment of widespread disconnection. While the entertainment industry restructures, LA’s independent theatre scene could become the city’s creative heartbeat.
We’re an independent, community-driven production. Beyond performances, we’re planning a full month of post-show discussions, collaborations and affiliate nights throughout February, all exploring the play’s thought-provoking themes as they resonate with today’s cultural and social landscape.
Guards at the Taj won the 2016 Obie Award and the Lortel Award for Best New Play. It was last produced in LA ten years ago, and this time it’s being produced with an all-new innovative concept. Some of our other favorite plays from Rajiv Joseph: Gruesome Playground Injuries, Animals Out of Paper, Mr. Wolf, King James, and Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo (Pulitzer Prize finalist).
Venue + City: El Portal Theatre, Monroe Forum, North Hollywood, CA
Performance dates: February 6 – 22, 2026
Press contact: guardsplayla@gmail.com
Website + Instagram handle: GuardsPlayLA.com @GuardsPlayLA,
Producing company: Plan Beh and Luchima Productions