Confronting the Powerful

All PEN World Voices Festival tickets are non-refundable. Please confirm the time and location of your event before finalizing your purchase.

Journalists take extreme risks to publish stories exposing corruption, fraud, and the atrocities of war. Often putting their lives on the line, these writers wield the strength of the written word to defend truth and democracy from the manipulations of the powerful. Featuring New Yorker staff writer Jonathan Blitzer (Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here), Patrick Radden Keefe (Rogues), and Patricia Evangelista (Some People Need Killing), in conversation with moderator and The Atlantic staff writer George Packer, the talk will focus on these journalists’ experiences challenging those in power, and how they managed the threats that followed.

The 2024 PEN World Voices Festival, the 20th anniversary of the festival, will be a celebration of world literature and free expression. Over four days, over 100 writers from nearly 30 countries will be featured in engaging talks, panels, readings, and performances in New York City and greater Los Angeles.

Visit for more information about the entire festival, as well as PEN America.

Joe's Pub is a fully ADA accessible space.

ASL interpretation is available for this event by request only. Please reach out to our Box Office team at [email protected] by April 21st to request.

Please ask a Box Office Attendant or festival representative upon arrival for directions to accessible seating if preferred.

For further information on accessibility in this space, or to make a request, please contact [email protected]

While not required, per public health official guidelines, the World Voices Festival recommends being fully vaccinated, and wearing masks in all public indoor settings as a precaution against the spread of Covid-19, as well as around crowds.

If you are feeling unwell, please do not come to the event. Reach out to [email protected] for assistance if you have already purchased a ticket.

We thank you for ensuring our speakers, guests and venue workers feel safe and comfortable at all World Voices Festival events. If you have questions or concerns please contact [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Joe's Pub @ The Public Theater, 425 Lafayette Street, New York, United States