Sholeh Wolpé: Shame, Stigma, & Sin in Works of Persian Female Poets

The 9th episode Parse is an excerpt from a talk given by Sholeh Wolpe, where she discusses aspects of the political and social consequences of the works of two distinct Iranian female poets from different time periods, Tahirih (who lived in the 19th century), and Forough Farrorkhzad (who lived in the mid-20th century). Wolpe analyzes how Tahirih and Farrokhzad’s physical, spiritual, and emotional expressions of intimacy in their poetry have had a far-reaching influence on the subsequent generations of female Iranian poets, including herself.

Wolpe is an Iranian-born poet, playwright, and librettist. Wolpe was named a “2020-2021 Cultural Trailblazer” by the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, and is the recipient of many book and literary awards, as well as many artist fellowships and residencies in the US, Mexico, Spain, Australia, and Switzerland. Her most recent works include Keeping Time with Blue Hyacinth and the Conference of Birds.