MCLC: Li Bifeng reading (3)

[Denton, Kirk]

MCLC LIST
From: kirk (denton.2 at osu.edu)
Subject: Li Bifeng reading (3)
***********************************************************

Source: (6/4/13): 
http://www.nybooks.com/contributors/ian-johnson/#tab-event

A Worldwide Reading for Li Bifeng
Selected by Ian Johnson

The exiled Chinese author Liao Yiwu, the International Literaturfestival
Berlin, and a group of prominent international authors are jointly
appealing 
<http://www.literaturfestival.com/news/aufruf-zu-einer-weltweiten-lesung-fu
er-li-bifeng-am-4.6.2013-en> for an international reading on June 4 in
support of the imprisoned Chinese author Li Bifeng. The appeal calls on
universities, radio and television stations, theaters, and other cultural
institutions to hold readings of Li's works, or of works related to Li's
plight.

Li is a well-known local author in Chengdu, where he was part of a vibrant
literary scene (read some of his writings here
<http://www.literaturfestival.com/intern/lost-and-found/TextevonLiBifengeng
l.pdf>). He is an old friend of Liao, and the two were imprisoned in the
aftermath of the June 4, 1989 suppression of pro-reform demonstrations in
Beijing and other cities. Liao mentions Li in his memoirs, which recently
have been published in English
<https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/liao-yiwu/for-a-song-and-a-hund
red-songs/>. Liao fled China in 2011 (read a New York Review Q&A with him
here 
<http://www.nybooks.com/blogs/nyrblog/2011/aug/15/interview-liao-yiwu/>).
Liao has repeatedly said, however, that Li had nothing to do with his
dramatic escape from China by foot--Li was arrested again shortly after
Liao's flight and some have speculated that the two events are linked.
Liao joking calls Li "the record-holder of failed escapesŠ. How could Liao
Yiwu, plotting a slip-away himself, possibly seek help from someone who
himself tried it so often, and failed every single time?"

Liao is joined in initiating the appeal by the Beijing dissident artist Ai
Weiwei, American Book Award winner Ha Jin, Nobel literature prize winner
Herta Müller, and three-time Booker Prize winner Salman Rushdie.

For more information, please visit literaturfestival.com
<http://www.literaturfestival.com/news/aufruf-zu-einer-weltweiten-lesung-fu
er-li-bifeng-am-4.6.2013-en>.