Virginia Woolf on the freedom to read, something other famous authors have eloquently spoken to. Also see Woolf on the ideal reader and complement with how to read like a writer.
Source: amnesty.org.ukAmnesty International today announced the winner of its prestigious Freedom of Expression Award at the Edinburgh Fringe: Bravo 22 Company’s The Two Worlds of Charlie F, written by Owen Sheers and directed by Stephen Rayne.
The award, given to an outstanding Fringe production carrying a human rights message, in association with FEST magazine, was presented by Amnesty International’s Programme Director in Scotland, Shabnum Mustapha, and FEST’s Editor, Ben Judge. This year saw a record-breaking number of entries, with 112 productions nominated…
…Speaking on behalf of the judges, Neil Cooper said:
“The importance of The Two Worlds of Charlie F can’t be understated, both as a work of art, and for the things it deals with.
“The issue of what happens to soldiers who have returned from tours of duty in war-zones damaged in some way, only to be thrown onto the scrap-heap by the very people they’ve served, is an all too familiar one.
“By bringing together real people’s stories, performed by former soldiers who know first-hand how a lack of support can damage individuals Owen Sheers, Stephen Rayne and the performers of Bravo 22 Company, have made a theatrically inventive compendium of real-life experience crafted into a very special piece of work.
“Arriving at a time when malevolent forces are attempting to hi-jack the plight of veteran squaddies for their own nefarious ends, The Two Worlds of Charlie F gives voice to a neglected sector of society that brings home their plight in a fearless, brave and thoroughly life-affirming manner that makes it a worthy winner on a very strong short list.”
Writer of The Two Worlds of Charlie F, Owen Sheers, said:
“I’m incredibly grateful the play has won the Amnesty award. Not only is it testament to the commitment of the cast and production team, but it is also an award that goes to the heart of the play’s motivation - to give voice to those whose stories are unheard by heightening and lending resonance to those stories through the medium of theatre.
Catherine Crump, ACLU on the U.S. government’s attempt to read our emails without a warrant
Is US government reading email without a warrant? It doesn’t want to talk about it - Red Tape
Source: literaturfestival.comThe international literature festival Berlin (ilb) calls on cultural institutions, schools, radio stations and interested parties to participate in a worldwide reading of prose and poems by the Chinese author and 2010 Nobel Peace prize laureate Liu Xiaobo on March 20th 2012.
Twenty-three journalists send letter to UNESCO to withdraw Obiang prize, citing human rights concerns by African dictator.
“UNESCO, as an organization that champions freedom of expression and promotes press freedom in particular, should never have accepted the $3 million donation that President Obiang of Equatorial Guinea made to fund a prize. President Obiang’s regime, in power for 32 years, has routinely stifled press freedom and silenced critical voices. Although a small percentage of the local population is able to access foreign news via internet and satellite broadcasts, the government tightly controls most forms of media, limiting citizens’ access to information. The government or members of President Obiang’s family control the country’s television and radio stations, and all regularly produced print media are controlled by the state or the president’s close associates.”
Photo by Podnox
Source: haguejusticeportal.net
Turkish and international defenders of freedom of expression came together in Ankara on Saturday (26 February) to demonstrate their solidarity with detained writer and publisher Ragıp Zarakolu. The Ankara Initiative for Freedom of Thought and the “Friends of Belge” group organized an evening reception at the Ankara Arts Theatre.
Source: bianet.org