The Reckoning with Torture project is based on a simple but powerful notion: that coming to terms with human rights abuses starts with reading the documentary record. Over 130,000 formerly secret documents detailing the torture and abuse of detainees in US custody since 9/11 are now publicly available. A collaborative project with Doug Liman, the ACLU, and PEN, the Reckoning with Torture Project asks the public to read the record and spread the word.

To continue with the April 2012 Reckoning performance by members of the UPenn community, here’s Temple U. student Mai Spann-Wilson reading a classified memo describing the CIA’s rendition, detention, and interrogation program:

And in this video Don DeLillo reads from the same CIA memo before a sold out audience at The Cooper Union in October 2009:

Over the last three years, PEN and the ACLU have staged readings showcasing declassified documents that detail America’s post-9/11 torture program. Leading writers and actors including Annie Proulx, Russell Banks, and Robert Redford have read documents. PEN now calls on the public to join our effort as well.

Here are the steps to participate.

1) Download the memo
2) Film yourself reading it
3) Send us the file

Help spread the word about Reckoning with Torture. Share this post on Facebook and Twitter.