It happened here, on January 26, 2008 at the UCLA Freud PlayHouse, in Los Angeles, California. It brought the world's most renowned scholars and top performing artists to a remembrance of the life of Cyrus the Great, the founding father of Persia and the mighty Persian Empire— perhaps the most exemplary, magnificent and just king the world has ever known. This event put together visual arts, the ambience of the theater, the inspirational young and beautiful Anna Djanbazian’s dancers who, in precise rows executed, perfectly harmonious and breathtaking dances.

The entertainment continued with delightful music by the legendary Iranian pop singer, Dariush, who selflessly and quickly accepted the offer to perform without any compensation for this noble cause. And, the same goes for the always magnificent, Oscar-Nominated composer, vocalist and performance artist, the beautiful Sussan Deyhim. The evening evolved and cultivated by an impresario of Persian archeology, the adventurous, the explorer, the film maker of our ancient past and simply an Iranian hero, Cyrus Kar himself, daring to lure and was captivate the audience for a mystical night of remembering Cyrus the Great. The Iranian communities around the world are grateful and appreciative when singers, dancers, performers and artists are willing to set aside their time and perform freely to promote justice and freedom. This would indeed register them forever and ever not only as who they are, but as what they did for a noble cause. We hope to see more and more Iranian artists participating in this kind of gathering. ”An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision.” said, James MacNeill Whistler. It all began like a lyrical poem, evolving into the contemplative national epic. In the ancient tradition of historical epics, all the elements were perfectly matched to the image of the inspirational melody. The opening ceremony started with the Mistress of Ceremonies, Nazanin Afshin-Jam, the charming and beautiful, singer, songwriter and International Human Rights Activist. She was also Miss World Canada. Beyond a doubt her presence gave euphoria and excitment to the entire ceremony. And finally, the very gracious audience came from near and far to gather to do what every Iranian understands; the recognition and perseverance of our national heritage from the ravages of time and calamities of the present ruling regime in Iran. They came to support their fellow Iranian, Cyrus Kar, who has been, painstakingly, trying to make a documentary film about the life of the benevolent king, Cyrus the Great.   There were many distinguished and honorable speakers who contributed to this event. The first was Dr. David Stronach, the renowned Scottish archaeologist of ancient Iran and Iraq. He is currently a professor at the University of California, Berkeley. Also speaking were Dr. Jennifer Rose, Professor at Stanford University, Dr. Abbas Milani, an Iranian-American historian and author, Professor Mark D. Rosenbaum, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union in Los Angeles, where he has worked since 1974. Having programs to support artists for who they are and what they do is a great thing one can do. Artists always need our support. It is our encouragement and financial support that enables them to continue in their endeavors and passions. As an example, many colleges and universities have created the largest system of supporting patronage the world has ever seen. “This system of education and patronage spends, each year, hundreds of millions of dollars on salaries for poets, writers, on reading series; on conferences and classes; and on university presses and little magazines. This support benefits poets, students, and general readers and the public.”

Notwithstandingly, what the Islamic Republic despotic rulers have set out to do is defeat the Iranian spirit inside Iran and extinguish Cyrus’ spirit around the world through brainwashing, coercion, and terrorist acts. It has given Cyrus Kar all the more impetus to re-create and show the world who and what Cyrus the Great truly was, the embodiment of the human spirit. This documentary is in its final stages and is in dire need of your support. It is ironic that a man whom the Jews called Messiah and died 2500 years ago can be a threat to the very existence of this brutal, un-Iranian current Islamic regime. The Islamic Republic of Iran seems to be fearful both of the dead and the living. Yet, Iran has survived despite her enemies, the course of innumerable wars, invasions, pillages and captivity at the hands of barbaric tribes and being forced into an un-Iranian religion. Our message to the world is clear. We, the diverse people of Iran are descendants of an optimistic, enlightened, and positive people. We “are” the children of Cyrus the Great. We meet any challenge and pay any price to defeat tyranny and we will not rest until Iran is completely free of the despotic rule of Islamofascism.

2008-01-27 23:03:12
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