May 1, 2010 | Le Poisson Rouge | NYC

With Irakli Kakabadze, Natalie Merchant, Ben Okri, and Ariel Dorfman; emceed by Rakesh Satyal

Co-sponsored by Le Poisson Rouge

CLIPS: Barbra Medley | My Funny Valentine | Irakli Kakabadze | Ben Okri | Ariel Dorfman

A perennial highlight of the Festival, the PEN Cabaret returns this year to the heart of the West Village. Come hear Natalie Merchant perform songs from her new album, Leave Your Sleep (Nonesuch), featuring musical interpretations of classic poetry from Ogden Nash, Christina Rossetti, Robert Louis Stevenson, and others. Also joining us direct from London is Booker Prize–winning novelist Ben Okri, and Georgian novelist, poet, and performance artist Irakli Kakabadze. Prepare to be white-knuckled as Ariel Dorfman reads from his very spooky cyber ghost story. Stay tuned for special-guest announcements—the global stars are aligning now. Emceed by Rakesh Satyal, editor, author, and jazz singer extraordinaire.