Jelaluddin Rumi, popularly known as Rumi, was a 13th century mystic Sufi poet. Born in present day Afghanistan, he was a scholar, jurist and an Islamic theologian. His transformative encounter with the great dervish, Shams-i Tabriz, ignited his profound mystical poetry, exploring the Heart of Love. The poems and writings of Rumi have crossed borders to influence people worldwide. Rumi, whose poetry has been beloved in the East, now has become one of the world’s most popular poets in the West. His best known work is the Masnavi. The six-volume poem holds a distinguished place within the rich tradition of Persian Sufi literature, and has been commonly called “the Quran in Persian” Like other mystic and Sufi poets of Persian literature, Rumi’s poetry speaks of love which infuses the world.

Lalla, the 14th Century North Indian mystic, is a lioness. She rides the breath, and she knows the way of courage. Her attention is focused in these poems not through any cultural, or conventionally religious lens. Lalla’s naked awareness is the truth she knows, and that is always in motion, as she herself was, wandering and singing these songs in medieval Kashmir. Lalla, or Lalleshwari, was a pivotal figure in Kashmiri literature and spirituality, known for her simple yet profound Vakhs (quatrains) that blend Kashmiri Shaivism and Sufi ideas, emphasizing inner spiritual realization over external rituals, and forming the basis of the Kashmiri language’s literary tradition. Her life story involves enduring mistreatment in a harsh marriage, leading her to renounce worldly life for a spiritual quest, becoming a revered figure for both Hindus and Muslims.

Zuleikha, internationally renowned Storydancer and educator, was trained in movement, music and mysticism by master teachers of eastern and western lineages. Through her work, she has become an ambassador of unity in artistic and spiritual expression.

A whirlwind of spirit, rhythm, dance and story, Zuleikha uplifts theater audiences with her very funny, soul-stirring performances. Numerous collaborations with world musicians and poets include the late African drum master Baba Olatungi, jazz guitarist Bruce Dunlap, cellist David Darling, vocalist/instrumentalist Jai Uttal, world percussionist Glen Velez, composer/cellist, Eugene Friesen, avant-garde composer/pianist Terry Riley and The Rumi Concert with poet and translator of Rumi’s poetry, and Coleman Barks with award winning musicians.

Her soul-stirring concerts weave together stories and myths of world cultures in praise of Life. She has composed and recorded numerous songs based on the poetry of mystics from many traditions, as well as her own words. zuleikha.com

“…a singular figure on the horizon of sacred theater and dance” (Edinburgh Guide).

Four-time Grammy Award-winner Eugene Friesen is active internationally as a cellist, composer, conductor and teacher. His unique original repertoire and improvisational style has been featured in concerts internationally with the Paul Winter Consort, and with Trio Globo.

Recently returned from a one-year tour with Paul Simon, Eugene’s improvised music has been featured in concerts all over the world. eugenefriesenmusic.com

Four-time Grammy Award-winner, Glen Velez is the founding father of the modern frame drum movement and is regarded as a legendary figure among musicians and audiences worldwide. His collaborations include Steve Reich, the Paul Winter Consort, Suzanne Vega, Maya Beiser, Tan Dun, Pat Metheny, Eddie Daniels, Richard Stoltzman, Zakir Hussain, David Darling, Howard Levy, Eugene Friesen, Zuleikha and Coleman Barks. His signature sounds can be heard on numerous films, commercials and modern dance scores. glenvelez.com

Parisa Soultani is an Iranian-American filmmaker and presenter who has worked on numerous documentary films and TV/web programs. The general area of her interests spans humanities, philosophy, and literature with a focus on Rumi and Islamic humanism. Parisa is known for her film productions of “One Through Love: A Gathering of Lovers, Rumi and the Sufi Path of Love” and Earth Wisdom for a World Crisis. cemproductions.org/meet-team, independent.academia.edu/ParisaSoultani

Benjy Wertheimer is an award-winning musician, composer, vocalist, producer and multi-instrumentalist, equally accomplished on tabla, congas, percussion, esraj, guitar and keyboards. He has performed and recorded with artists Krishna Das, Deva Premal and Miten, Jai Uttal, Walter Becker of Steely Dan, virtuoso guitarist Michael Mandrell, tabla master Zakir Hussain, and renowned bamboo flute master G. S. Sachdev. shantalamusic.com