Across Languages
Across cultures

Words so powerful, Iran imprisoned the author

…but, can these words ever be translated?

Saturday 3rd May

Two part event about Language, Poetry, Translation, Iran, Human Rights and Cross Cultural Communication.

Lillehammer Library – Free & Open to All

Sign-up for free and guarantee your place – Sign-up

14:00 to 16:00

Mehdi Mousavi Interview – Iran, Repression, Poetry & Exile

Mehdi Mousavi shares poems shaped by life as an enemy of a brutal regime, and introduces his forthcoming collection The Last Kiss — a powerful reflection of the pain that many Iranians live under, and Mehdi’s own experience of persecution, prison, and exile. Interviewed by Fatemeh Ekhtesari.

Meet the Translators – Persian to Norwegian / Iran to Europe

Afterwards, his translators — Gunstein Bakke and Samuel Tongue — join Fatemeh Ekhtesari to discuss what it really takes to carry a voice across languages and cultures. How do you give a Norwegian audience the same emotional experience felt by Iranian readers — and help them understand why the regime feared this poetry? What gets lost in translation — and what must never be?

16:00 to 18:00

No experience needed! Just a love of language and culture

Open to Norwegian, English or Persian Speakers

Continue the conversation and work with the team to create a new Norwegian or English version of one of Mehdi’s poems. Experience what translation is really about — communication, interpretation, and problem solving.

Perfect for people who are interested in either:

• Norwegian Language
• Persian / Farsi
• Human Rights
• Iran and Middle East
• Poetry and Translation
• Cross Cultural Communication
• Problem Solving & Puzzles
• or just Making New Friends

Signup Now

Total Registrations: 2

FAQs

I don’t Speak Persian

No problem! With expert guidance, creative discussions, and a step-by-step approach, we’ll bridge the gap between languages and cultures in a way that feels natural, fun, and eye-opening.

I don’t Speak Norwegian

No problem! We will put you in a group that wants to discuss in English – and maybe you will learn some Norwegian. (Also, the guest speakers will discuss in English.)

Is it a lecture

No! it’s an experience. You’ll be part of a collaborative team, playing with words, discovering the hidden layers of Persian poetry, and shaping your own version of the text. It’s the perfect chance to learn about Persian culture, make new friends, and stretch your creative muscles—without ever having to read in front of a crowd.

A fun and Nerdy Way to Start Saturday Night

Think of it as a literary escape room, a translation lab, and a cultural deep dive—all rolled into one. Whether you’re a poet, a language enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good intellectual challenge, come join us for an afternoon of discovery, creativity, and connection!

Look Who’s Coming!

• Fatemeh Ekhtesari – Norwegian English Farsi
• Oliver – English

See You all in: