The Virtual Writing University Archive

The Virtual Writing University Archive is a collection of recordings of literary readings, panel discussions, and lectures around The University of Iowa and Iowa City. You may search or browse these recordings to find those you want to hear. The Writing University Archive is a project of the School of Library and Information Science in collaboration with the writing community at Iowa.

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Literature and Politics

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Six writers address literature and politics and the dynamic between the two.  They speak on their own experiences and talk of their own convictions, perspective and judgment.  They also address the issues of literary cultures throughout the world involving politics against, and in relation to, America, as well as their degrees of involvement, and justice. 

In: International Writing Program Archive

Authors: Viktoriíà Fomina , Abubakar Gimba, Ogaga Ifowodo, Ji-Woo Hwang, Anuar Othman, Yee Nu Nu

Date Recorded: October 18, 2000

Works Read: Related Works: The poetry of Octavio Pas. The poem "Written In Pencil in a Steel Rail Car," by Israeli poet Dan Pagis. Ogaga Ifowodo's book of poems, "Homeland and Other Poems." 1859, by Anuar Othman. Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck.

Program: --

Format: discussion

Contributors: Christopher Merrill

Topics: South African aparthied; Writing in communist Russia in early 1990s; Keeping humor during serious political situations; Separating politics from writing; Obstacles of publishing in Singapore; Western philosophy; Freedom of speech and expression; Censorship

Note: Break at 46:06.

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