The tragic romance of Layla and Majnun was one of the greatest hits of pre-modern literature. Long before Romeo and Juliet, audiences thrilled to myriad versions of the tale in Arabic, Persian, and other Central Asian languages, and artists lovingly illustrated it. This panel of experts discusses the long and fascinating history of Layla and Majnun: Cameron Cross (Near Eastern Studies) on the Persian epic that made the doomed lovers famous, Christiane Gruber (Art History) on the lavish manuscript paintings of their tragic tale, and Aida Huseynova (Music, Indiana University) on bringing their romance to life on the stage.

Panelists:
Cameron Cross, assistant professor of Iranian studies, U-M
Christiane Gruber, associate professor of Islamic art, U-M
Aida Huseynova, lecturer in music, Indiana University

RELATED EVENTS
Fri, Oct 7-Wed, Feb 22
Exhibition. “Of Love and Madness: The Literary History of Layla and Majnun.” 7th Floor Exhibit Space, Hatcher Graduate Library, 913 S. University.

Thu, Oct 13, 7:30 pm
Fri, Oct 14- Sat, Oct 15, 8 pm
Performance. Layla and Majnun. Mark Morris Dance Group and the Silk Road Ensemble. For ticket information, call 734.764.2538 or see ums.org. Power Center, 121 Fletcher.