2006 International PEN Congress
Berlin Hilton, Germany 22 – 28 May 2006
Congress Theme: Writing in a World without Peace
The delegates of International PEN last met in Germany in 1986. The 49th Congress of International PEN, which took place in Hamburg, was devoted to the general theme of Contemporary History in International Literature. Germany was still divided at that time, as was Europe. When you come to Germany next year, you will find a country that has changed in many ways, and nowhere is this change more visible and vivid than at the location of the International PEN Congress, in Berlin. Today, this city – once separated by a Wall most drastically manifesting the division of Germany and Europe has not only been re-established as the capital of Germany, but has simultaneously turned into a thriving meeting-place between East and West and North and South.
Anyone coming to Berlin will discover numerous traces bearing testimony to German history. Here in Berlin, history in all its facets from the great achievements of German artists, philosophers and scientists to the crimes of the Nazis has left its mark on the urban landscape. Here you will find the venerable university where Humboldt and Fichte taught, places where famous musicians, literary figures and academics lived and worked, world-renowned theatres such as the Berliner Ensemble, two major opera houses, the Berlin Philharmonic Hall built by Scharoun; and you will also find localities serving as a reminder of the darkest aspects of German history: the Holocaust Memorial in the city centre, the Jewish Museum and the Plötzensee scene of execution, where the conspirators of 20 July 1944, the day of the failed attempt to assassinate Hitler, lost their lives.
The International PEN Congress itself will take place from 22 until 28 May in Berlin’s historic centre, at the Hilton Hotel on the Gendarmenmarkt, against an architectural backdrop emanating from the spirit of German history. Major evening events accompanying the Congress will be held at historical venues such as the Berliner Ensemble, the Academy of Arts and the French cathedral. We are confident that we will be able to offer all delegates and visitors to the Congress a captivating programme.
There will be three major evening events: a long night of literature with many prominent authors from throughout the world, an evening, which is specially devoted to African literature, and an evening during which writers of German literature, who have immigrated from abroad to Germany or have a non-German cultural background, will be presented.
Three afternoon events (literary sessions) have been scheduled as part of the Congress daytime programme: a session in which prominent PEN members each present an author of their choice, an afternoon of essays and discussions, which is devoted to the motto of the Congress Writing in a World without Peace and a lyric poetry afternoon.
We are very happy and grateful that Günter Grass, recipient of the Nobel Prize for Literature and a long-standing member of the German PEN Centre, has consented to give the opening address at the Congress. The 72nd International PEN Congress will be held under the patronage of the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Horst Köhler, who has kindly consented to give a welcoming address. In addition, many prominent writers have confirmed their attendance and participation. A reception in the Federal Chancellors Office has also been scheduled.
The motto linking events and discussions at the Congress, Writing in a World without Peace, not only re-emphasises the efforts to achieve peace and reconciliation t which the Charter of International PEN commits its worldwide membership, but also demonstrates that art and literature, beyond all ideological conflicts and clashes of interest, retain their own irreplaceable human value. This holds true in particular in those parts of the world, where people are suffering from war and civil war, where states are disintegrating and bands of criminals have been taking the law in their own hands, where war becomes business and business becomes war. Writing in a World without Peace also implies that we as writers have to address this reality.
Dear colleagues, everyone of us at the German PEN Centre will do all in our power to turn your stay in Germany and Berlin into an unforgettable experience. In addition to the chance to acquaint yourselves with Berlins history and present, an outing to the City of Potsdam and a steamer trip along Berlins extended waterways will be offered as part of the accompanying programme of the Congress as well as post-Congress tours to Dresden and Weimar.. So that we can make all the necessary organisational arrangements to make your stay in Berlin as pleasant as possible, and to avoid the additional pressure on accommodation as the result of the FIFA World Cup which is to take place after the Congress, we would very much appreciate it if you could register and confirm your registration as soon as possible.
We are very much looking forward to your visit! And we are looking forward to the conversations and discussions with all of you!
Johano Strasser
President, German PEN Centre