Authors to recall Berlin congress

HILLS literary enthusiasts will have the opportunity to meet acclaimed authors Judith Rodriguez and Judith Buckrick at Barrinja Gallery in Upwey on Sunday.
The authors will speak about their experiences at the recent PEN World Congress meeting in Berlin.
More than 500 writers from 101 different countries attended the congress to address the issue of writing in a world without peace.
PEN is an international organisation that opposes censorship and supports authors around the world who have been imprisoned, tortured or forced into exile because of their writing.
The talk on Sunday has been organised by PEN in the Hills, a local group recently established as a branch of the Melbourne PEN Centre.
Judith Rodriguez said the keynote speaker at the congress meeting, Nobel Prize Laureate Gunter Grass, gave an assessment of the campaign against terror and its effect on society and the writer.
“It is partly because of this situation that PEN continues to grow.
“PEN centres are established in places such as Afghanistan where writers need protection and where the need for freedom of speech is palpable,” she said.
Ms Buckrick, who is the current chairwoman of the International PEN Women Writer’s Committee, said the meeting was particularly special for her because of the presence of women writers from every continent looking to support colleagues who live with censorship, harassment and few opportunities to share their work.
Anyone interested in learning more about PEN’s activities is welcome to attend the talk on Sunday at 2.30pm at the Burrinja Gallery, 351 Glenfern Road, Upwey.
For more information contact Marian Spires on 9754 1363.