This event, co-sponsored by Writers in Exile, is partly to celebrate the new Ukrainian Centre of PEN International, located in Kiev, Ukraine. The event is also a tribute to Ukrainian Literature. All featured writers whose works are read were born in Ukraine, with the exception of two; all are Ukrainian exiles living in the U.S. Works of Ukranian writers who passed away as the result of the regime they lived under are also presented, like Vasyl Stus. Larissa Lorette reads an excerpt of Mykola Rudenko's poem "The Cross" in English, followed by a reading of the work by Rudenko. "Exit to Doom" is read by its author—Dr. Ostap Tarnawsky—in Ukrainian, followed by an English reading by Lorette. In English a selection of poems from both Vasyl Stus and Vasyl Symonenko are presented.

Ukranian Writers, 3/28/1990

Amiri Baraka reads “Rhythm Travel” at the 2008 Beyond Margins Celebration.


Amiri Baraka Reads “Rhythm Travel”

The celebrated poet reads the seminal letter of political protest, in which she became the first and only person to date to refuse the highest honor bestowed upon an artist on behalf of the people. Background and discussion: http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2013/05/16/adrienne-rich-national-medal-of-arts-letter/

Adrienne Rich declines the National Medal of Arts, 1997

PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world.  Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.


Ukranian Writers, 3/28/1990

PEN America

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