Explore Persia’s founding through conversation, performance, and the Library’s own collections.

Around 1000 CE, one of Iran’s greatest poets, Ferdowsi, wrote what has become considered a bedrock of Iranian nationhood, the Shahnameh, or The Book of Kings. It is the longest poem written by a single poet, tracing Persian collective memory from its mythic origins through the Arab Conquest of the 7th century. From Rostam’s heroics to the tragic love of Bijan and Manijeh, Persian-speaking people of all ages across the Middle East and South Asia can recite lines from it by heart to this day. In the West, the book remains relatively unknown.

This March, the New Victory Theater will stage Song of the North, Hamid Rahmanian’s shadow-puppet adaptation of Bijan and Manijeh. Rahmanian also edited a new translation of the Shahnameh. He will join translator Ahmad Sadri for a discussion about the epic’s enduring power. Comedian Negin Farsad will read from the book. Some of the Library’s incredible illuminated manuscript editions of the Shahnameh will be on display before and after the program.

Presented in partnership with the New Victory Theater.

To join the event in person | Doors will open 30 minutes before the program begins. For LIVE from NYPL events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Please arrive early to avoid disappointment; we will do our best to accommodate everyone. Booked seats that have not been claimed will be released shortly before start time, and seats may become available then. A standby line will form 30 minutes before the program.

To join the livestream | A livestream of this event will be available on the NYPL event page. To receive an email reminder shortly in advance of the event, please be sure to register! If you encounter any issues, please join us on NYPL's YouTube channel.

READ THE SHAHNAMEH:

• Borrow: NYPL Catalog


• E-Book app: SimplyE, available on iOS and Android


• Purchase: The Library Shop — proceeds benefit The New York Public Library

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If you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or suspect you have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive, please stay home.

ACCESSIBILITY

In-Person | Assistive listening devices and/or hearing loops are available at the venue. You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation or CART (Communication Access Real-Time Translation) captioning service by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template. This venue is fully accessible to wheelchairs. 

Livestream | Captions and a transcript will be provided. Media used over the course of the conversation will be accompanied by alt text and/or audio description. You can request a free ASL (American Sign Language) interpretation by emailing your request at least two weeks in advance of the event: email accessibility@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

CONNECT

For questions and inquiries, please email publicprograms@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

Please submit press inquiries at least 48 hours before the event: email press@nypl.org or use this Gmail template.

The New York Public Library's free services and resources are made possible thanks to the support of the Friends of the Library. Join this group of Library lovers and take advantage of special membership benefits, like invitations to members-only virtual events, discounts at the Library Shop, and more. Join now.

LIVE from NYPL is made possible by the continuing generosity of Celeste Bartos, Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos and Adam Bartos, the Margaret and Herman Sokol Public Education Endowment Fund, and the support of Library patrons and friends.