PSU Noon Concert Series: Women – Life – Freedom: defiance through art by Iranian women

• Christopher Whyte, percussion
• Valdine Ritchie Mishkin, cello
• Sarah Tiedemann, flute
• Julia Hwakyu Lee, piano

Under Iran's Islamic Penal Code, Iranian women's rights are severely restricted, a form of gender apartheid. Women must comply with the Islamic Republic’s mandatory hijab laws from the onset of puberty, and they are unequal in matters of marriage, divorce, custody, inheritance and more. In the Fall of 2022, hundreds of protesters, including dozens of children, have been killed by Iranian authorities. These nation‑wide protests were triggered by the tragic death of 22 year old Mahsa Jina Amini who died in police custody after being arrested by Iran’s “morality police” for failing to properly cover her hair. The "Women, Life, Freedom" movement is a response to these tragic events. This concert features works by Iranian and Iranian-American women, and the artwork of PSU Art and Design Faculty Taravat Talepasand, in support of the efforts of Iranian women and artists who courageously express themselves in defiance of this oppression at risk to their own lives. 

The concert features Chris Whyte, PSU Assistant Professor of Art Practice Taravat Talepasand, and performances by Valdine Mishkin, Sarah Tiedemann, and Julia Lee, performing works by Iranian and Iranian-American composers Anahita Abbasi, Roshanne Etezady, Niloufar Nourbakhsh, and Aida Shirazi.

About Portland State University School of Music & Theater

https://www.pdx.edu/music-theater/

About Christopher Whyte, percussion

https://chriswhytepercussion.com/

About Valdine Ritchie Mishkin, cello

https://valdinemishkin.com/

About Sarah Tiedemann, flute

https://www.sarahtiedemann.com/

About Julia Hwakyu Lee, piano

https://www.pdx.edu/profile/julia-hwakyu-lee