In memoriam: Professor Mohammad Kowsar

Sunday, February 04, 2018
Mohammad Kowsar

It is with tremendous sadness that the School of Theatre & Dance learned of esteemed theatre professor Mohammad Kowsar’s untimely passing on early Sunday morning, January 14, 2018.

A dynamic force whose passion for theatre and teaching were infectious, inspired generations of students and young theatre artists as well as colleagues and peers. This link is a testament to his dynamic teaching

He will be missed deeply as he is already. Many Facebook accounts of former students are already ablaze with the news and touching memorials to a great teacher. An alumni of SF State with a B.A. in Theatre Arts in 1966, he went on to earn an M.F.A. in Acting from the University of Hawaii in 1969 and a Ph.D. from Cornell in 1973. Professor Kowsar joined the faculty in 1988 teaching classes in theatre backgrounds, directing and acting. A valuable and honored member of the faculty, Mohammad was a tireless director illuminating the works of Frederick Schiller, Jean Genet, Anton Chekhov, August Strindberg, Aphra Behn, Alfred de Musset and John Ford to name just a few. Alumni speak of Mohammad’s impact on their lives and careers. Riding his scooter around campus in his iconic hat, his energetic lectures could be heard down the corridor from the classroom, allaying any doubt that Mohammad was on campus. He will be missed.

A memorial celebrating the life, scholarship and achievements of Professor Kowsar will be held in Little Theatre at San Francisco State University Sunday, February 4, 2018 at 2 p.m.
Reception to follow immediately.

Please visit the Facebook page to RSVP.