Ayad Akhtar’s Remarks at the 2022 PEN America Literary Gala
"Yes, speaking is at the root of it all, but we cannot only be speakers. We must be those listening, as well." More
A Story of Two Brains
“That’s what artists do: We imagine possibilities. . . . But the thing is, sometimes we get it wrong.” More
Attention and Affinities
“As writers, many of us are caught in the middle. Our creative imaginations are not discursive, but organic. We are pulled where the muses and where the fertile blindspots… More
Ayad Akhtar’s Remarks at the 2021 PEN America Literary Gala
“Reading, of course, is an individual act, but a culture that fosters reading and one that supports writers, invariably compels us to presence, to protest, to celebration.” More
Ron Chernow Stands for Press Freedom at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner
Ron Chernow delivered a rousing speech in defense of press freedom and the First Amendment at the 2019 White House Correspondents' Dinner. More
Shading and Retranslation: Translator Burton Pike’s Comments at BookExpo America
In recent years, literary translators have paid more attention to the shadings of the original work, whereas earlier translators were more focused on simply translating the story told rather… More
2015 PEN Literary Gala: Emin Milli
Imprisoned journalist Khadija Ismayilova was awarded the 2015 PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award at the 2015 PEN Literary Gala. Her friend and fellow Azerbaijani dissident writer Emin Milli… More
2015 PEN Literary Gala: Suzanne Nossel
These remarks were delivered by PEN Executive Director Suzanne Nossel at the 2015 PEN Literary Gala. More
2015 PEN Literary Gala: Alain Mabanckou, Dominique Sopo, Gérard Biard, and Jean-Baptiste Thoret
Being shocked is a part of democratic debate. Being shot is not. More
2015 PEN Literary Gala: Glenn Close and Tom Stoppard
Sir Tom Stoppard delivered the following remarks after being presented with the PEN/Allen Foundation Literary Service Award at the 2015 PEN Literary Gala. Tom Stoppard was introduced by Glenn… More