Audio + Video
2018 Literary Gala: Suzanne Nossel
PEN America Chief Executive Officer Suzanne Nossel delivered these remarks at the 2018 PEN America Literary Gala. So, Jenny was saying earlier, PEN America’s preferred discourse leverages literature to… More
2018 Literary Gala: Carolyn Reidy, 2018 PEN America Publisher Honoree
For those of us dedicated to introducing the work of writers to the world, it is repugnant when someone, anyone—whether it is the general public, media pundits, local school… More
2018 Literary Gala: Eskinder Nega
I ask whether those who are free have an obligation towards those of us who are not free. And I say they do. This obligation is not legal but… More
2018 Literary Gala: Presentation of the 2018 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award
Wa Lone, 31, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 27, are journalists who specialize in politically sensitive subjects. When arrested they were on assignment by Reuters investigating the torching and pillage… More
2018 Literary Gala: Stephen King, PEN America Literary Service Award
"The percentage of readers is relatively small compared to the population as a whole. Just think for a minute of all the people you see on these streets every… More
2018 Literary Gala: Jennifer Egan
"As a fiction writer and a journalist, I’m more accustomed to the role of spectator, ideally as close to invisible as possible—it helps me eavesdrop. What led me to… More
Judith Butler on Living with Grief
Judith Butler discusses how expressions of rage and lashing out often reflect inner sorrow at the 2014 PEN World Voices Festival. More
Noam Chomsky on Threats to Humanity
Noam Chomsky addresses the future of humanity and the threats posed by climate change in this clip from the 2014 PEN World Voices Festival. More
Feminist Icon Ani DiFranco Performs at the 2017 PEN World Voices Festival
Watch a performance by Ani DiFranco in this video clip from the opening night of the 2017 PEN World Voices Festival. More
Sam Shepard Reads from Motel Chronicles
Today we share a clip from the 2007 PEN World Voices Festival in which the late, great Sam Shepard reads an excerpt from his short story collection Motel Chronicles. More