BookShorts VIDEO: PEN Canada Benefit at IFOA

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PEN Canada is an association of writers and supporters formed to defend freedom of expression and raise awareness of that right. It is one of 144 centres of International PEN in 102 countries, and uses the power of the word to assist writers around the world persecuted or exiled for the expression of their thoughts.

The benefit for PEN at this year's IFOA was an upbeat affair despite the cause, perhaps in part due to the natural enthusiasm that occurs when authors are able to read material unencumbered, and to an audience solid in their convictions against censorship.

Wole Soyinka is a mezmerizing reader (an immedaite affinity likely attributed to his tale of a motorcycle ride through his native land); Miriam Toews reveled in her delivery of expletives; Azar Nafisi conquered her reiticence for self-performance; M.G. Vassanji auditioned new writings; as did Wayson Choy - likely not a victim of his two previous near-death experiences.  Ann-Marie MacDonald kept things moving after a poignant introduction from Connie Rooke and John Ralston Saul's presentation of the PEN Canada / Paul Kidd Courage Award to journalist Kim Bolan.

The video here captures some of the spirit of the Benefit; for a great read and your own support for their initiatives, grab a copy of the M&S published "Writing Life" edited by Rooke. 

 

Tags: wayson choy, miriam toews, ifoa, john ralston saul, ann-marie macdonald, m.g. vassanji, wole soyinka, kim bolan, constance rooke, pen canada, international festival of authors, writing life