Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) will celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month with a special event featuring author Robert Farid Karimi, as part of the Contemporary Conversations series. The free event, titled “Poetry and Play: An Evening with Robert Farid Karimi,” will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Wheaton Library.
In addition to Karimi’s presentation, the evening will include a live performance by the Pepe Gonzalez Afro-Cuban/Latin Jazz Ensemble and a closing reception.
Karimi, a distinguished performer, author, and social engagement artist, blends interactive experiences with immersive storytelling. NPR, The Smithsonian, and HBO’s Def Poetry Jam have featured his work. He is also co-director of the Public Practice + Generative Play StudioLab and an assistant professor in Arizona State University’s Music, Dance, and Theater department. Karimi’s Iranian-Guatemalan-Mayan heritage deeply influences his artistic practice, which he uses to explore cultural intersections and social issues.
During the event, Karimi will delve into the intersection of storytelling and poetry, offering insights into his creative process. He will also share a personal story about a cherished Guatemalan recipe passed down from his grandmother, highlighting how culinary traditions connect to his Muslim-Catholic upbringing.
The Wheaton Library is located at 11701 Georgia Avenue. Attendees must register in advance through the MCPL website to attend the in-person event.
