Tune in to RTRFM 92.1 at 9.30 am Perth time on Monday 9 November to hear Louise Adler in conversation with Jeff Bullen on On the Record. Louise will discuss PEN Perth’s upcoming event, Writing and Publishing Across Cultural Fault Lines, ahead of her conversation with author and activist Sisonke Msimang to commemorate the DayContinueContinue reading “Louise Adler live on RTRFM: Monday 9 November, 9.30 am Perth time”
Author Archives: PEN Perth
Louise Adler and Sisonke Msimang – Day of the Imprisoned Writer
What can writers and publishers do when cultural and political divides make public debate harder? On the DAY OF THE IMPRISONED WRITER, PEN Perth has invited publisher and cultural leader Louise Adler AM for a conversation with South African–Australian author and activist Sisonke Msimang. VENUE: State Library Theatre, PerthDATE/TIME: Thursday, 12 November 2026, 6–7 pmTickets:ContinueContinue reading “Louise Adler and Sisonke Msimang – Day of the Imprisoned Writer”
Kolkata, Despair and Hope
The burning of bookstalls in Kolkata, where I grew up and which, after nearly half a century away, still feels most like home, is personal. Kolkata has a long tradition of bringing books into its festivities. During Durgotsav, the Bengalis’ biggest annual religious festival, temporary bookstalls spring up around the venues where communities gather toContinueContinue reading “Kolkata, Despair and Hope”
A grim anniversary: twenty years since Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya was murdered
Twenty years on, Anna Politkovskaya is imprinted in many people’s minds as a courageous journalist who covered the second Chechnya war (1999–2009) during the first years of the unexpected ascension to power of a “a lieutenant colonel who never managed to reach the rank of colonel” (in her words), that is Vladimir Putin. Her coverageContinueContinue reading “A grim anniversary: twenty years since Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya was murdered”
Cheng Lei to become president of PEN Melbourne
Journalist and writer Cheng Lei is set to become the next president of PEN Melbourne, bringing her lived experience of wrongful imprisonment and a powerful commitment to freedom of expression. Her extraordinary story of survival, release and rebuilding her life is featured in the recent Australian Story episode, Time After Time.
Book bans in the US
Across the United States, thousands of books have been removed from public school classrooms and libraries as part of an unprecedented wave of censorship.
When a child writes of peace
Nine-year-old Ayla Lewis read her poem “Peace” at PEN Perth’s Poems of War and Peace event.
Solidarity, poetry and the courage to speak
It was a real pleasure to see many of you at our recent AGM and at the event that followed, Poems of War and Peace. The open mic was a reminder of the extraordinary range of voices in our community – from established poets such as Dennis Haskell to nine-year-old Ayla, bravely taking her placeContinueContinue reading “Solidarity, poetry and the courage to speak”
Supporting writers at risk
Dear members and fellow travellers Let me begin by thanking Hélène Jaccomard who kept this column going while I was away for the last three issues of the newsletter. While in Europe, I was reminded rather soberingly of the pointy end of PEN International’s work when I joined a meeting of key PEN centres toContinueContinue reading “Supporting writers at risk”
Books, blasphemy and bans in Indonesia
“Book banning has a long history in Indonesia, extending back to the [Dutch] colonial period, although it was most pronounced during Suharto’s New Order period (1968–98).” (Hendri Yulius). The New Order turned into law a 1963 decree against Marxist–Leninist propaganda passed under Sukarno’s regime (1945–67) and relied on a 1965 Blasphemy Law to curb freedomContinueContinue reading “Books, blasphemy and bans in Indonesia”
Why poetry still matters in times of war and peace
An invitation from PEN Perth Poems of war and peace have long given voice to humanity’s deepest fears, hopes and resilience. Poetry remains one of our most enduring responses to conflict, injustice and the search for peace. Poetry has always been one of humanity’s most enduring responses to war, injustice and hope. It records theContinueContinue reading “Why poetry still matters in times of war and peace”
Why 400 Empty Chairs matter more than ever
Acting Chair’s message July 2026 As members and friends will know, one of the ways PEN centres around the world raise awareness of the fight for freedom of expression is to have empty chairs at public events. An empty chair has indeed become one of the most powerful symbols of the FIFA World Cup. FrenchContinueContinue reading “Why 400 Empty Chairs matter more than ever”