Center for Middle Eastern Dialogue hosts program on contemporary Iranian literature and music

NEW PALTZ – The Center for Middle Eastern Dialogue at the State University of New York at New Paltz will host “Voices from Iran: Contemporary Literature and Music” on Monday, April 9, from 7-9 p.m. in Parker Theatre. The event is free and open to the public.

The program will focus on the ways in which recent scholarship, works of fiction, and memoirs from or about Iran (written in English or translated from Persian) are enhancing cultural dialogue between Americans and Iranians. It aims to help students, faculty, and community members learn about Iranian people, their experiences, their culture, and their aspirations.

Manijeh Nasrabadi will read from her memoir, “A Far Corner of the Revolution,” followed by a lecture by Professor Ahmad Karimi-Hakkak titled “In Search of Responsive Understanding: Iranians Bring their Story to the World.” Celebrated pianist Ariana Barkeshli will perform a number of piano pieces from Iranian composers.

Manijeh Nasrabadi is a doctoral student at New York University and Co-Director of the Association of Iranian-American Writers. She holds a B.A. from Brown University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Hunter College. Dr. Ahmad Karimi-Hakkak is Professor and Director of the Roshan Center for Persian Studies at the University of Maryland, College Park. Ariana Barkeshli is a pianist, music educator, and scholar. She has performed at American universities and at numerous international conferences and cultural events.

The Center for Middle Eastern Dialogue aims to promote constructive dialogue about the Middle East that will explore ways to establish lasting peace in the region, encourage economic collaboration, and stimulate cultural and educational exchange. The Center provides a forum for students, faculty, community members, scholars, and diplomats of various points of view to exchange ideas in a respectful way that will promote greater understanding of this complex and volatile region of the world.