The Auckland Branch of the NZ Society of Authors (PEN NZ Inc) welcomes you to an afternoon of Poetry, Prose, Music and Politics.

On November 15th, all around the world, PEN Groups remember writers who have been murdered or imprisoned for telling their stories. In NZ this day is called Courage Day, after James and Sarah Courage, who had their books banned and burned.

You're invited at noon, to take up your pen, and write a letter to help bring about the release of an imprisoned writer. Come and talk with the Human Rights groups, enjoy live music, food, drinks and books.
You'll be amongst writers, so get creative - write a poem and bring it along. We'll put it on the walls. It may be read out by a professional actor, or win you a lucky draw prize.

Poets are invited to take the stage at 1pm for the Open Mike session with MC Sabrina Muck. Feature poets are Iain Sharp and Serie Barford.

At 2pm Master of Ceremonies satirist, comedian and writer Te Radar, (recently described as ‘The Thinking Man’s Basil Brush,’) kicks off Poetry, Prose, Music and Politics.
David Robie will give an update on the journalistic situation in Fiji. Daren Kamali from Suva will perform Musical Flave with fiance Grace Taylor. Luisa Turoa, Fijian activist and poet gives us her response to the coercion on the Fijian population. Syrian, Furat Esbir and fellow poets Tim Heath, Jai MacDonald, Helen Tionisio, and Tracey Te Whiao each have three minutes to get their message across .

Stephanie Johnson, Lee Wood and John Pule read prose. Actor Elizabeth McRae reads audience poems and Margaret Taylor from Amnesty International will launch a new Media Network.
Human rights issues, beatings, murders and unjust prison sentences evoke a serious response. But music and humour add power and digestibility to the message.

If you’re lucky enough to get along to this fundraiser, get ready for provocation from The Rasta and The Rev; lively samba beats and dancey Cuban music from Chico, Jez Titterton and Peter Scott; and exhillarating a Capella from Jubilation Choir singing originals like Rick Bryant’s ‘Learn To Forgive’ and Jean McAllister’s ‘First To Come Home.

Tickets are limited so get yours in advance, $18 from The Women's Bookshop, 105 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby. Tel 376 4399. www.womensbookshop.co.nz
Door sales $20 at the venue, 773 New North Road, Mount Albert. Students $15.

Check out this link to the NZSA (PEN NZ) Inc Freedom Page
http://www.authors.org.nz/wawcs0138552/1n-nz-pen-and-freedom-page.html