Distinguished translator, acclaimed vocalist and musician Haleh Liza Gafori reads her inspired, widely praised interpretations of Rumi, considered the greatest poet of the Persian language. Written some 800 years ago, Rumi’s lyrical poetry continues to provide solace and guidance when we revisit it in our contemporary moment. Transcending national borders and ethnic divisions, cultural conventions and religious sectarianism, Rumi’s vision is of a world governed by universal love, compassion and collectivity. His masterworks of world literature have been widely translated into many languages and formats, and there are few today who have not encountered some paraphrases of his prophetic compositions. We are pleased to welcome Haleh Liza Gafori, joining us for a live reading drawn from her acclaimed volumes of translations of Rumi’s verse: GOLD (2022) and WATER (2025). Whether Rumi confesses, critiques, praises, nudges or commands, his startling voice and leaps of imagery dazzle and ring with enduring urgency; and Gafori’s special presentation uplifts these propulsive messages of human liberation. Presented by Bold Tendencies. All ages.