Isa Naomi Okuyama from Santa Monica Cultural Affairs informed us about Dr. Majid Naficy‘s third Beach House Artist Residency event, which will be held on January 18, 2010. For this event which will also be his last at the Annenberg Community Beach House series, Dr. Naficy will present readings of his new verse drama, “Shaherezad in Santa Monica”. Directed by John Farmanesh-Bocca, this lyrical drama entails the romantic and immigrationary travails of the poet Shahram, his lover Shaherezad, and the new man who comes between them. Set in various Santa Monica sites this lyrical drama brings Persian and American sensibilities together. Marking the evening with more music, the event will feature live music by renowned Iranian-American cellist Homayoun Khosravi.

The reading will take place at 6:30pm at the Annenberg Community Beach House, 415 Pacific Coast Hwy, Santa Monica, CA 90401. The event is free but reservations are required at http://beachculture24.eventbrite.com. Parking is available at $3/hr and is free after sunset.

About Artist Residency Program: The artist residency program is a city initiative undertaken to promote arts in Santa Monica and to honor Marion Davies’ artistry and her support of artists. The chosen residents will produce new work related to their subject and share it with the public during their tenure.