Fall 2011 Events
Friday, November 25, 7 p.m.
IDEAS IN DIALOGUE: SEN. ROMEO DALLAIRE IN CONVERSATION WITH STEPHEN LEWIS
Moderator: Anna Maria Tremonti, Host: Mary Ito
Proceeds support PEN Canada.
For decades, Africa has been a disaster zone in western consciousness: a continent of corruption, misrule, famine, and war. Few Canadians have acquired a better sense of these realities than Senator Romeo Dallaire and Stephen Lewis. Their visions for modern Africa transcend media clichés of failed states and focus instead on humanitarian initiatives to help civil society address some of the most urgent challenges faced by the continent today.
While serving as commander of the United Nations troops in Rwanda, Senator Dallaire witnessed a genocide take place against a backdrop of diplomatic evasion and indifference. Dallaire is the winner of the Pearson Peace Medal, author of the award-winning book Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda, and, most recently, They Fight Like Soldiers, They Die Like Children. He is an Officer of the Order of Canada.
As UN Envoy for Aids in Africa, Stephen Lewis witnessed a preventable pandemic consume millions of African lives. Lewis is a distinguished humanitarian, chair of the Stephen Lewis Foundation dedicated to turning the tide of HIV/AIDS in Africa, co-founder and co-director of AIDS-Free in the United States, author of the bestselling Race Against Time, Companion of the Order of Canada, winner of the Pearson Peace Medal, and Distinguished Professor at Ryerson University.
Friday, September 23, 9.30 am. – 10.30 am.
The Other Side of Silence – Speaking out for Eritrea’s Imprisoned Journalists
Description
On September 23, 2011 five Canadian writers will speak out for a group of Eritrean journalists imprisoned since September 2001 – without formal charges or trials. PEN Canada adopted nine of the arrested journalists as Honorary Members and has sent petitions and letters on their behalf for several years. (Four of the journalists have died while in prison.)
Each Canadian writer will talk briefly about their "adopted" journalist, possibly read a short extract of their work, if any is available, and close with a letter that tries to reach across the terrible silence of the last decade.
Participating authors
Karen Connelly
Camilla Gibb
Rosemary Sullivan
Susan Swan
The final author to be announced.
Date and Time:
Friday, September 23, 9.30 am. – 10.30 am.
Ryerson University, POD 250, 350 Victoria Street (off Gerrard/Victoria intersection)
Read Charlie Foran's editorial in the Toronto Star.
Thursday, September 22, 7 p.m.
Liberty and the Arab Spring
Exploring Isaiah Berlin’s ideas in a changing world.
The Honourable Michael Ignatieff in conversation with Professor Ramin Jahanbegloo
Moderator and host: Professor Mark Kingwell
George Ignatieff Theatre, Toronto
Admission $20 | Proceeds to PEN Canada
Tickets: UofTtix 416 978 8849 | www.uofttix.ca
Sunday, September 25, 11am - 6pm
LOOK FOR US AT WORD ON THE STREET
Be sure to drop by the PEN Canada booth at Toronto’s Word on the Street.
Queen's Park, Toronto (directions)
Wednesday, October 19, 7p.m.
PEN CANADA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF AUTHORS BENEFIT
Words by Design: An Evening with Bruce Mau & the awarding of the PEN Canada One Humanity Award
Designer and innovation guru Bruce Mau, known and celebrated around the world for his inspirational, transformative ideas that have reinterpreted contemporary culture, reveals himself and his work in images and conversation.
The PEN Canada One Humanity Award honours someone whose work has transcended the boundaries of national divides and inspired connections across cultures. The writings of the individual reflect honesty, good judgement, and a courageous belief in the peaceful expression of ideas through any medium.
This $5000 award is made possible by the gracious generosity of PEN Canada supporter, Florence Minz.
Wednesday, October 19, 8pm
Tickets: $50, $20 (students)
Harbourfront Centre,
Queen's Quay, Toronto
Buy tickets here.
The Harbourfront Centre Box Office is located at the York Quay Centre, 235 Queens Quay West, Toronto or you can call to purchase tickets at 416-973-4000.
Proceeds support PEN Canada.
