Morteza Zarei is an Iranian choreographer and multidisciplinary artist whose practice is rooted in social engagement and collaborative creation. Born in Tehran in 1991, Zarei began his artistic journey as a theatre actor before expanding into performance and dance, participating in a wide range of projects as a performer and dancer. His work spans choreography, participatory performance, and community-based art, with a focus on amplifying the voices of marginalized individuals and communities.

He has collaborated with a wide range of groups, including individuals affected by leprosy, children with cancer, child laborers, people with Down syndrome and autism, the d/Deaf community, and athletes such as volleyball players. His work aims to reconnect diverse social groups through movement and shared creative experience.

In 2019, Morteza created Opera No. 01 #Tehran, a choreography based on Persian Sign Language, developed in collaboration with d/Deaf performers. The piece explored the relationship between sound, silence, language, and poetry. It received the Best Performance Award at the 37th International Fadjr Festival and other international festivals .

In 2024, he was awarded the Pina Bausch Fellowship, which enabled him to work with Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui and develop his ongoing project Show and Marginalized Bodies. His artistic research continues to investigate how performance can serve as a bridge across social divides, creating inclusive spaces where every participant is recognized as an artist.

Morteza is currently based in Germany, pursuing a Master’s degree in Choreography and Performance at the University of Gießen.