This work is vital and timely to express Iranian culture and the voices of Iranian women. Bringing together a cast of 10 Iranian dancers and 5 musicians, as well as visual artists and costume designers, Parya Saberi collaborates with longtime Bay Area dancer Suhaila Salimpour to bring her vision to light. While dance is illegal in Iran, Saberi and Salimpour on U.S. ground feel empowered and called to share their story and speak on behalf of Iranian women. Saberi emphasizes, “We want to honor and represent the anti-patriarchal revolution in Iran and all of the brave women and men who have fought and continue to fight for the Woman Life Freedom movement.” Dancing with Hafez runs September 15-17, 2023 in San Francisco at Dance Mission Theater.