“Feathers of Fire” is a magnificent retelling of the forbidden love story of Zaul and Rudābeh from the epic Shahnameh. Watch online now!

While the world has been forced to slow down and people have been required to quarantine themselves, we have been reminded of the most basic components that give our lives meaning. Taking the time to reflect on the natural world and the importance of human bonds, the pandemic has in many ways given us time to appreciate how we are all connected and to see the beauty of the world around us. At the heart of our shared experience is culture, history, and the stories of humanity that have been told for millennia.

For Iranians and the diaspora, one story that is central to our shared identity is the 11th century epic by Ferdowsi, Shahnameh (The Book of Kings). Recollecting the heroic tales and fantastic legends of ancient Iran, Shahnameh is a true masterpiece, comprising over 50,000 couplets that were written over three decades by the renowned poet. More than a collection of stories, Shahnameh embodies a cornerstone of Iranian history and culture. It is regarded by many Iranians as a defining symbol of their identity and a guardian of the Persian language.  

Given its monumental status, it is no surprise that the epic has been celebrated, translated, and utilized in various art forms for centuries by Iranians and non-Iranians alike. Like the universal appeal of Greek heroes and traditions, Shahnameh’s incredible tales are compelling for the masses. But like Ferdowsi himself, one Iranian-American artist, Hamid Rahmanian–a Guggenheim fellowship-winning visual artist–has dedicated much of his labor to telling the story of Shahnameh to the widest audience possible. 

Along with his wife, Melissa Hibbard, Rahmanian has created a variety of stunning work under the banner of “Kingorama,” which includes a recent translation of the epic, a pop-up book called Zahhak: The Legend of the Serpent King, an audiobook, and a cinematic shadow play, Feathers of Fire.   

Translated and adapted by Ahmad Sadri, Rahmanian’s Shahnameh book is a breathtaking illustrated edition of the epic, with 500 pages of intricate and colorful illustrations by Rahmanian himself. A proper feast for the eyes, Rahmanian has conveyed the same splendor in his shadow play, which depicts the legendary story of forbidden lovers Zaul and Rudābeh from Ferdowsi’s saga. Their love gives birth to the mightiest hero of ancient Iran, Rostam, whose valor and repute is so grand that even his stallion’s name, Rakhsh, is legendary.

In Feathers of Fire, Rahmanian’s live-performance play combines traditional puppets, masks, and costumes, with the modernity of digital animation, to create an unforgettable visual spectacle in its most primal form, shadows. This masterful retelling of an ancient story is sure to captivate any audience, young and old. Now available to stream online, don’t miss the chance to experience what Francis Ford Coppola calls, “Fantastic, spectacular… cinematic wizardry.” 

Watch from home, give it as a gift, and share it with friends and family. Now is the perfect opportunity to enjoy this truly unique vision, support Iranian-American artists, and share a beautiful part of our rich culture. The epic of Shahnameh transcends time and borders; it may be revered by Iranians, but it was Ferdowsi’s gift to humanity. At a time when we may feel isolated, there is solace in our shared stories and community.