Attacks On Democracy: The Plot Against America

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

U.S. Democracy is at a critical juncture. The institutions and rights that gird our democratic society, from universities to media to protest, to a pluralistic and diverse society, are under consistent and pressing attack. Central to these attacks is the targeting of free expression and a free press. 

In the PEN World Voices Festival’s urgent opening event, PEN America Co-CEO Summer Lopez will convene leading voices Judith Butler, Molly Jong-Fast, and Phil Klay to discuss the health of our democracy, where we are now, and where we are going.

The 2026 PEN World Voices Festival is a celebration of world literature and free expression. The 2026 edition will be the 21st World Voices Festival. Over four days, over 140 writers from over 40 countries will be featured in engaging talks, panels, readings, and activations in New York City and greater Los Angeles.

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

This space is ADA compliant. A street level accessible entrance is located on 12th street.

ASL interpretation is available for this event by request only. Please reach out to our Box Office team at [email protected] by April 15th 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]

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