Friday

Forough Farrokhzad (1934–67), is known in Iran as one of the most influential female poets of the twentieth century. Challenging the traditional limits of Iranian literature and social norms, her work is celebrated for its unique blend of social commentary and personal reflection. Farrokhzad’s contributions to the world of cinema, particularly the documentary The House Is Black, highlight her legacy as a pioneering voice for change in Iran.

Zahra Feizbakhsh Tavana is currently a PhD candidate in English literature at the University of Houston, where her research focuses on empire studies, global anglophone writing, immigration studies, and human rights. Her critical work explores the complex intersections of immigration and human rights, with a focus on the liminal experience of waiting, the struggle for dignity, and the shifting nature of identity. Tavana delves into the challenges of living as an immigrant and undocumented individual, where survival often means adapting like a chameleon — constantly alert, concealed, and ever changing.