RESPONSE to "Thanks and Regret”

RESPONSE to "Thanks and Regret”

To our many supporters who havecontacted us about the commentary("Thanks and Regret") in the lastnewsletter, we thank you. As manyare already aware, we have learnedthat the author of the commentary infact did not personally attend the PSAcultural show.Indeed, the author's depiction of ourevent is quite puzzling to those whoactually did attend. The commentarybemoaned an utter lack of Persianlanguage or culture in our program.However, as advertised (CelebratingPersian-American Culture), we offereda vibrant show, with traditional andcontemporary dances, singingperformances in Persian, comicalskits, a touch of poetry, a bit of history,and even some insightful lessons onNoruz traditions. We announced inPersian at the beginning of the eventthat we would conduct the majority ofthe show in English out of respect forour many non-Iranian friends in theaudience. Our guests includedprofessors, deans, and students of theUniversity of Michigan, as well asState Representative Marc Shulman,for whom we presented a special giftof appreciation for his tremendoussupport of our entire community. Weare proud to have created a venuewhere non-Iranians could come andlearn about our culture and feelwarmed, welcomed, and respected.This is a feature that is rare amongmost cultural organizations and isneeded at a time when our homelandis so gravely misunderstood.Perhaps the most entertaining featureof the commentary was the poeticlament of our alleged failure to singthe Soroode Ey Iran. In fact, ourshow opened with the Sorood amidstbreathtaking images of the TakhteJamshid and other historical sites ofIran. Several people have emailedspecifically to thank us for the singingof the Sorood. We do wish that theauthor would have shared in ourmelodies. Indeed, his own words echohis absence more loudly than wecould. Over 800 people joined ouraudience that memorable evening andenthusiastically applauded our efforts.We strive to continually improve our show, & welcome any feedback to(persians.board@umich.edu) fromthose who attended. With sincerethanks to the Persia House ofMichigan and all our communitymembers for their support over theyears, we look forward to sharingmore great memories at future culturalshows and events.Respectfully yours,The Persian Students AssociationUniversity of Michigan

vol1_no3_fall2002.pdf

Persia House of Michigan

2002 - Fall

vol1_no3_fall2002.pdf (p.3)

application/pdf

Text