In a 2018 lecture, PEN Ukraine President Andrey Kurkov said that “democracy is not eternal if it is not supported and not monitored daily, if we do not appreciate our rights and freedoms, and if we don’t react to every attempt of the authorities or individual political forces to restrict these rights and freedoms.” Since then, Kurkov has maintained that it is the role of writers, journalists, academics, and public intellectuals to protect our freedom to write, protest, and fight for a free press. In recent months, he—along with the Ukrainian people—have embodied that very spirit and offered inspiration to all who value and struggle for freedom around the world. Ukrainian poet and translator Iya Kiva will kick off the event with a reading, which will be followed by Kurkov, who will deliver this year’s Arthur Miller Lecture. The lecture will be followed by an interview with novelist Gary Shteyngart and Q&A. ASL interpretation provided by Pro Bono ASL.
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Join us for an exclusive reception starting with Andrey Kurkov at NYU Skirball prior to the event at 5 p.m.