The Politics of Translation

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Meena Kandasamy and Sasha Dugdale, both poets and translators, along with Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, the writer and academic, discuss identity and international literature at this event, chaired by Daniel Hahn, also a translator and author.

Together they consider the possibilities and limits of international writing, decolonising literature, the dominance of English-language publishing and the question of who chooses what is and is not translated.

Produced in partnership with the Southbank Centre.

English PEN Members’ 10% discount on all English PEN 100 events

Special offer: 25% off when buying tickets to 3 or more events

English PEN 100 at the Southbank Centre (24–26 September 2021)

Founded in 1921, English PEN is one of the world’s oldest human rights organisations, championing the freedom to write and the freedom to read. To mark this centenary year, English PEN 100 at the Southbank Centre gathers renowned and emerging writers, readers and activists for timely debates and discussions.

Over 30 writers, activists and thinkers explore themes of literature, exile, free expression, translation, activism and solidarity, drawn from English PEN’s rich history of protecting writers and readers across the world.

An outdoor digital artwork by artist Ai Weiwei, created for the centenary, is displayed on-site for the duration of the festival.

English PEN 100 is part of English PEN’s year-long programme Common Currency, which features events, residencies, campaigns and conversations across the UK and Ireland. Common Currency is supported by a National Lottery Project Grant from Arts Council England, British Council, Cockayne Grants for the Arts – a donor-advised fund of London Community Foundation, and PEN International.