Sheiba Kian Kaufman

Sheiba Kian Kaufman, an expert in Shakespeare and early modern English drama, dives into her new book exploring Persian influences in the genre. She discusses how English playwrights portrayed Persian monarchs as symbols of intercultural hospitality and cosmopolitan ideals. Kaufman highlights the concept of 'adab'—refinement and ethics—in shaping cultural representations and examines Persian characters in Shakespeare's works. She also reflects on how these themes foster discussions of tolerance and identity in early modern society.

Sheiba Kian Kaufman, Assistant Professor and lecturer in English, delves into her insightful book exploring how Persian culture informs early modern drama. She challenges conventional views on Orientalism and introduces 'Persian paradigms' as frameworks for analyzing concepts of hospitality and tolerance in theatre. Kaufman highlights figures like Cyrus the Great in Jacobean plays, showcasing Persia’s impact on ideas of cosmopolitanism. She also reflects on her own Persian-American identity, bridging personal narrative with scholarly exploration.