Writing Across Forms: A Conversation with Author-Playwrights

Join us for a conversation with several author-playwrights about mixing storytelling styles and getting creative across different forms.

Writing Across Forms: A Conversation with Author-Playwrights

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

Throughout the twentieth century, it was common for writers to work across forms. Now, however, there is a void between the role of "author" and "playwright" that few dare cross. Daniel Kehlmann (The Director), Sarah Ruhl (Letters from My Teachers), Betty Shamieh (Too Soon), and Jeremy Tiang (State of Emergency) are some of those rare artists. Playwright MJ Kaufman, currently at work on their first novel, will lead them in a conversation examining the reasons behind this curious divide, and what it means to reject it. Join them as they discuss how they choose the form best suited for a particular idea, the differences between writing words to be read and words to be heard, and approaching  work presented by a team of other creatives versus imparted directly from them to their audience.

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.