Myanmar’s first international literary festival opens amid newfound freedoms of expression

CP21832029
Author Sudha Shah speaks with the title of "The King (Thibaw) in Exile" during the first day session of the Irrawaddy Literary Festival at Inya Lake hotel Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, in Yangon, Myanmar. The country\'s first international literary festival opens Friday, featuring dozens of authors from around the world, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. (AP Photo/Khin Maung Win)

YANGON, Myanmar – Myanmar’s first international literary festival opens Friday in Yangon, featuring dozens of authors from around the world, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Irrawaddy Literary Festival, which runs through Sunday, comes as Myanmar relaxes its censorship rules, bringing new freedom of expression to authors, journalists, bloggers and comedians. Many have served time as political prisoners.

Authors must still submit their books to the government for approval before distribution, but local authors say that for the most part the censors have put down their red pens and they can publish freely.

“Wild Swans” author Jung Chang, India’s Vikram Seth and British historian Timothy Garton-Ash are scheduled to attend this weekend’s festival along with more than 80 authors from Myanmar.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles