Translations of the medieval Persian poet and Sufi figure Jalaluddin Rumi have rivaled the record of Edward Fitzgerald's translation of 'The Ruba'iyat of Omar Khayyam' as the most popular book of poetry published in English.
Rumi's longest poem, 'The Masnavi,' is told in great part by stories, illustrating what spiritual points he wanted to get across with secular folkloric color, often wry humor.
Golden Thread Productions —whose annual ReOrient festival of one act plays on the Middle East has been produceded in Berkeley— has joined forces with the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California in Oakland to stage seven of Rumi's tales, like "The Elephant in the Dark" and "The Grammarian and the Boatman," in modern theatrical styles.
Featuring clown and Commedia shtick by Hafiz Karmali, a splendid director, as the first in a series of programs he'll direct over the coming three years, entitled Islam 101.
This Friday night at 7:30, Saturday at 3:30 and 7:30, at the Center, near the Main Library in downtown Oakland, staged in the sumptuous ceremonial hall of this old Masonic building, all in Moorish Revival style, just over a century old.
1433 Madison at 14th—kitty-corner from the Main Library —downtown Oakland. $10-$20. 832-7600
There's also an exhibit of Rumi-related artwork at the Cultural Center.
[Picture: Rumix7 = Tales from the Masnavi. Photo: Golden Thread Middle East Center Stage.]
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