THE SIT DOWN - interview with soheil parsa

Director of The Parliament of the Birds, Soheil Parsa, sits down with Emma Stenning to discuss how this piece is deeply rooted in Persian history and culture but is profoundly universal in how it reflects our shared human values. 

_{Recorded early 2021 with Soulpepper's previous Executive Director.}

Restaurant Recommendations from Toronto LiFE

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free iranian cuisine demonstration

In partnership with Toronto Life Insider, to celebrate The Parliament of the Birds, we are thrilled to offer an exclusive virtual Iranian cuisine demonstration hosted by Armita Hosseini. Armita is a self-taught cook and food stylist who is passionate about the artistic expression of various international cuisines, particularly Middle Eastern and traditional Iranian cuisine. Learn to make two dishes inspired by Armita's fond memories of eating fish in the coastal regions of Iran. 

Spotlight from TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS - SHOKOOFEH AZAR

Keeping in touch, both figuratively and physically, is a challenge during times of isolation; while physical touch – and what we touch – is now a source of fear and anxiety for many. The Dutch phrase “skin hunger” has come to prominence in recent months, encapsulating these feelings.

For the 2020 Festival, TIFA presented Skin Hunger: a new writing commission featuring original works by internationally renowned writers, in reflection on what we’ve all felt and suffered during the COVID-19 crisis. Featured here is Iranian-Australian author Shokoofeh Azar, reading her Skin Hunger piece, titled Dear Coronavirus.

SPOTLIGHT FROM SMALL WORLD MUSIC - SINA BATHAIE

Toronto-based composer and santur player Sina Bathaie is known around the world for his unique style and approach toward Persian contemporary music. Born in Iran, Bathaie began studying santur at age 7 under his father, Master Javad Bathaie and learned classical repertoire (radif) on the oud and percussion. He then followed his passion in music by practicing Persian classical repertoire (Radif) with the instrument Oud and explored the concept of rhythm by learning Tonbak (Persian Percussion).

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ART ATTENTION FROM THE AGO & the AGA KHAN MUSEUM

In response to The Parliament of the Birds by Guillermo Verdecchia, Adam Levine, Assistant Curator of European Art at the Art Gallery of Ontario, and Dr. Michael Changon, Curator at the Aga Khan Museum, share a piece of art from the Aga Khan Museum collection, Shaykh Safi Al-Din Interpreting For His Disciples Various Verses By Distinguished Poets from the manuscript of Tazkira (biographical accounts) of Shaykh Safi al-Din (d. 1334), Iran, Shiraz, dated Sha‘ban 990 AH / Aug–Sept 1582, opaque watercolour, ink, and gold on paper © The Aga Khan Museum, AKM264. 

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