PRESENTATIONS
“After hosting Haleh Liza Gafori’s seminar on the poetry of Rumi,
I can say, I have never seen this kind of enthusiasm for a class and teacher.”
— Ricardo Maldonado, Executive Director of the Academy of American Poets
Haleh Liza Gafori presents on the poetry of Rumi at universities, cultural institutions, and festivals across the country and abroad.
Offerings include lectures, readings, performances.
See list of past institutions, and testimonials below.
For booking inquiries, please see contact page.
PAST PRESENTATIONS
2022-2024 presentations at institutions including:
Stanford University, CA
Sarah Lawrence College, MFA Program & Poetry Festival, NY
Swarthmore College, PA
St. Joseph’s University, The Writer’s Foundry MFA Program, NY
Bard College at the Summer Faculty, Language, and Thinking Program, NY
Columbia University, NY
New York Public Library, NY
Oxbridge Academic Programs at Barnard, NY
University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater, BFA Program, online
Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School, onlineLincoln Center Poetry Festival, NY
Academy of American Poets, online seminars
United Nations, International Migrants Day, NY
MacDowell National Benefit, NY
Arte East Gala, NY
Bryant Park Reading Series, NY
Woodward Theater, OH
The Charlotte Ideas Fest, NC
Bradford Literary Fest, Bradford, United Kingdom
Women’s Library and Information Center Foundation, Istanbul, Turkey
U of Iowa, International Writing Program’s Translation Symposium, various cities in Turkmenistan
Hudson Valley Writer’s Center, NY
The Brooklyn Rail, NY live and online events
Joe’s Pub, NY
The Tibet House, NY
City of Asylum, PA
Omega Institute, NY
Larz Anderson Museum, MA
Philadelphia Museum of Art, PA
Mindful Poetry Gathering at The Well, online
TESTIMONIALS
from past attendees of The Insight of Rumi, a 3-day retreat at Omega Institute
“As a longtime lover of Rumi’s work, experiencing Haleh’s presentation of her translations has been nothing short of thrilling. Her ear for the music of the poems, her grasp of the nuances and subtleties of their language, and the passion with which she conveys their timeless insights have for me been illuminating, moving, and deeply nourishing. Haleh's gift is not only to beautifully render Rumi's artistry for our modern ears but also to passionately embody the living spirit of his work and make clear its ongoing relevance to our lives.” — David Platoff
“The weekend workshop was INCREDIBLE, Liza's precision and attention to not just the text but the context of Rumi's life added an incredible amount of clarity and depth! I would love to take another course if ever possible!” - Trevell Ellison
“I was teaching and living at the Omega Institute when I first saw Haleh’s presentation and I was completely blown away. It was so much more than a reading of Rumi poetry, it was inspiring, engaging, educating, entertaining and best of all it felt like the audience was receiving a channelled transmission from an enlightened master! Not only was Haleh able to articulate and translate Persian words, concepts and Rumi’s wisdom but she can beautifully string words together to engage and stretch everyone’s mind. Haleh correlated how Rumi’s work and wisdom can be applied to each one of us and our society which inspired me and everyone else in the room. I just love how incredibly down to earth, friendly and approachable she is. Her passion, joy, enthusiasm and ecstasy is so beautifully transmitted and felt by everyone in attendance. I was so excited I bought several copies of her book to share with people whom I love.I would highly recommend attending a performance with Haleh as her words and voice are an elixir for your mind, body and soul.” - Avalon, Omega Institute instructor and retreat participant
“Within five minutes of Haleh Liza Gafori’s workshop on The Insight of Rumi I knew our time together was going to be special. I was not prepared, however, for the transformational experience that unfolded for me over the three days we spent exploring the wisdom of Rumi. Haleh’s extraordinary insight into the truths embodied in Rumi’s poetry contributed to one of the most revelatory and emotionally positive experiences I have ever had. Drawing on her intimate knowledge of both Persian and Western language and cultures, interspersed with recitation, chant and music, Haleh took us on a journey of profound passion and inspiration. I came away infused with a desire to pass through this world in a more enlightened and meaningful way”. - Graham Brent