Across the Caribbean

Co-Presented By Dutch Culture USA and Nederlands Letterenfonds

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

The literature of the Caribbean is as expansive and diverse as the hundreds of islands that make up the region, and it continues to evolve and grow as more groundbreaking Caribbean voices are recognized worldwide. What are the connections—and distinctions—between the worlds of Jamaican writers Safiya Sinclair (How to Say Babylon) and Marlon James (Moon Witch Spider King) and Dutch-Surinamese author Astrid Roemer (On A Woman’s Madness)? What elements of geography, culture, language, and history distinguish their works, and what brings them into conversation and constellation? Join us for an in-depth look at and celebration of the richness of Caribbean literature today, moderated by novelist Naomi Jackson (The Starside of Bird Hill).

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.

A street level accessible entrance is located on 12th street, and restrooms are located on the ground floor.

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]

Host or Publisher PEN America