Heer Across the Ages
Presented by the Mythological Studies Program at Pacifica Graduate Institute
This powerful evening traces the mythic evolution of Heer, one of South Asia’s most enduring archetypes of the feminine. Through traditional and folk compositions, Ayesha Nadir Ali takes us on a journey in which Heer’s story moves from early folkloric narrations in Hindu/Persian literature to timely social commentary. The performance will include selections from Damodar’s classic text and Waris Shah’s epic verse, as well as compositions by avant-garde Punjabi poet Najm Hosain Syed, to reveal the shifting spiritual, cultural, and poetic dimensions of Heer, set to ragas and melodies shaped by centuries of oral tradition.
Following the performance, Ali will be in conversation with Dr. Monica Mody, Chair of the Mythological Studies Program.