Audio + Video
Carolin Emcke on Reporting in Iraq, 2007
The Iraq war for me—is still today—an incomprehensible, really a paradox of war … a war we could see and watch and witness being built up. More
Maurice Kenny Reading at International Writers for Peace Day
Arrows, now the skies are diseased; arrows, now the earth is diseased; arrows, now the people are sick on dreams; arrows; come back to us. Chankpe Opi Wakpala! More
Aicha Lemsine on Gender Censorship
The most bitter opposition to women writers occurs when they move out of marked gender categories of discourse and trespass in areas considered outside of their realm. More
Richard Gilman Reading from The Passionate War
"Bombs away—some three thousand pounds of death rained down." More
2017 Literary Gala: Suzanne Nossel
PEN is an organization of words. But we know when it’s time for action. More
2017 Literary Gala: John Sargent, PEN Publisher Honoree
It is easy to feel safe, and it is easy to be safe. But as we face these decisions, I hope we will stand for what is right, not… More
2017 Literary Gala: The Women’s March, PEN/Toni and James C. Goodale Freedom of Expression Courage Award
This intergenerational, intersectional, women-led movement continues, and we ask that all of you stand with us in solidarity to continue to harness the political power of diverse women. More
2017 Literary Gala: Oleg Sentsov, PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award
Oleg Sentsov is but 1 of 44 Ukrainian prisoners who are incarcerated in Russia today ... He asks that, when you speak of him, you don’t forget the others. More
2017 Literary Gala: Alan Cumming
I’m in prison, and like any prisoner, it is very difficult for me to answer a simple childish question: “Daddy, when are you coming home?” More
2017 Literary Gala: Rita Dove
To me, a Great America is an America that values the arts and the humanities. If you feel the same way, please join me now in defending these Endowments. More