Curator, Art Consultant
UNSEEN IRAN
A festival alongside Blind Runner at St. Ann’s Warehouse In partnership with Nimruz and Pardis for Children.
This January, the beautiful and historic St. Ann’s lobby will transform into an Iranian hub, as we create a Persian Tea Room, featuring Persian tea, rugs, and art. Prominent contemporary Iranian artists will turn the walls of St. Ann’s into a gallery of modern art, including pieces from the incredible “Book of Kings” series by Shirin Neshat, photos by Iranian street photographer Tahmineh Monzavi, as well as works by Bahar Behbahani and the Safarani Sisters. From January 10-12, a weekend festival of events will include a backgammon tournament, an Iranian food tasting, music performances, films, a dance party, and more with Blind Runner as the main event.
ONGOING EVENTS
ART INSTALLATIONS IN LOBBY
Street photography by Tahmineh Monzavi
Shirin Neshat “Book of Kings” series:
The Villians: Amir, Bahram, & Sherief (Based on Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh ) and Divine Rebellion
PERSIAN TEA ROOM featuring tea, open 1 hour prior to show time.
Sponsored by Shiva Sarram & Drew Pearson
Rugs & Cushions provided by Safavieh
Tea Room Art:
Photography by Bahar Behbahani: Warp and Woof, Through A Wave, Darkly series
Safarani Sisters video painting piece Awake
WEEKEND FESTIVAL
FRIDAY, JAN 10
5–7 PM | FESTIVAL KICK-OFF (TEA ROOM)
Hosted by the “Unseen Iran” Committee
Raise a glass with us as we kick off the festival with Iranian refreshments and celebrate the incredible artists, chefs, musicians, and more that will be featured in the festival. Refreshments will be provided.
RSVP HERE >
7:30–8:30 PM | PERFORMANCE OF BLIND RUNNER
BUY TICKETS >
SATURDAY, JAN 11
12:30–1:45 PM | CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES (Tea Room)
Hosted by Pardis for Children
1:15–1:45 PM | PUPPET SHOW
Sponsored by Nazgol Saati & Roya Khadjavi Kheymeh
Shab Bazi is an ancient Iranian puppetry tradition celebrated for its satirical comedy performances. The intricately crafted marionette-style puppets vividly bring to life characters from Persian folklore, each imbued with vibrant and distinct personalities.
These performances transport audiences to the enchanting world of Persian tales, featuring a brave champion (Pahlavan), a timid prince (Shahzade), the beautiful Daughter of the King of Fairies, and the intertwining love stories of these characters. At the heart of Kheymeh Shab Bazi is Mobarak, a witty and outspoken servant who works for the king yet boldly critiques him with biting sarcasm and humor. Surrounding them is a colorful cast of supporting characters, weaving together the rich tapestry of these timeless folktales.
Far from their origins in Iran, these puppets and their stories have traveled across the world, introducing children to the beauty of Iranian folklore. Through Kheymeh Shab Bazi, there is hope to revive these beloved tales and preserve this ancient theatrical art for audiences both at home and abroad.
2–3 PM | PERFORMANCE OF BLIND RUNNER – CHILDCARE PROVIDED
Free childcare with crafts & music provided by Pardis for Children while parents see Blind Runner. Capacity is limited, so sign up early. For children ages 4 & up.
BUY TIX >
5-7 PM | IRANIAN SHORT FILMS (TEA ROOM)
Co-Sponsored by Marjan Ghara, Ali Granmayeh & Payam Zamani
Screening of Iranian short films followed by a Q+A with the filmmakers. Films will include award-winning shorts “Motherland” and “Taha,” among others. Refreshments will be provided.
RSVP HERE >
7:30-8:30 PM | PERFORMANCE OF BLIND RUNNER
BUY TIX >
8:30–11 PM | DJ DANCE PARTY (MAIN LOBBY)
Sponsored by Cyrus Claffey, Amir Korangy & Sean Khozin
Show us your best moves as we light up the dance floor with a mix of Iranian and house music. St. Ann’s Bar Jolie will be open with drinks and snacks for purchase.
RSVP HERE >
SUNDAY, JAN 12
12–4 PM BACKGAMMON TOURNAMENT (TEA ROOM)
Sponsored by Ali Partovi
32 players compete for the ultimate prize! Refreshments will be provided. BYOBB (Bring Your Own Backgammon Board!)
BUY TICKETS >
3-4:30 PM | IRANIAN CLASSICAL MUSIC JAME & TASTE OF IRAN (MAIN LOBBY)
Surround your senses with Iran! Enjoy the sounds of classical Iranian music while nibbling on Iranian bites and snacks from local chefs.
RSVP HERE >
5-6 PM | PERFORMANCE OF BLIND RUNNER
BUY TICKETS >
UNSEEN IRAN COMMITTEE
Sanam Akhlagh
Roya Khadjavi
Morad Masjedi
Arian Moayed
Sepanta Mohseni
Sarah Scafidi
Nzinga Williams
Kimya Zahedi