Thursday, June 11, 5 PM EDT

Join together with virtual community in this time of distancing to experience an emotionally stirring 90 minute podcast performance. A STRONGER DESIRE TO LIVE draws together a roster of powerful artists standing in to voice a tremendous series of prose, poetry and drama works penned by award-winning incarcerated writers.

Tied together with original music by Kenyatta Hughes, an artist and activist who has shared his music from Sing Sing to Carnegie Hall, the program is a moving tribute to the immense, and often hidden talent behind the walls.

The live release event will feature an original slideshow with artwork sourced from the Artists at Risk Connection, Rehabilitation Through the Arts, and The Confined Arts, and invite listeners to join in a live chat. As prison restricts incarcerated people from being able to join the program, all captured reactions will be shared with our featured authors in the event's aftermath.

Featuring writing by Caroline Ashby, Paul J. Betts, Jr., Arthur Fitzgerald, Yvette M. Louisell, Robert McKown, Matthew Mendoza and Justin Rovillos Monson.

Performances by Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, Dr. Adam Falkner, Shanelle Gabriel, Casey Gerald, Milton Jones, Nicole Shawan Junior, Darrell Larson, Amanda Erin Miller and Josie Whittlesey.

Curated by PEN America Prison Writing Committee Members Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, Carissa Chesanek, Michael Juliani, Grace Kearney, Katie Lasley, Ryan D. Matthews, Amanda Miller and Crystal Yeung in partnership with Program Director Caits Meissner and Manager Robert Pollock.

Co-sponsored by PEN America and Haymarket Books.