Rushdie to speak at Philo talk

Writer and activist Salman Rushdie will address the Penn community as the Philomathean Society's annual orator next month. Rushdie -- an author who was once condemned to death by the Iranian religious leader Ayatollah Khomeini -- has been celebrated for his literature and social action, and organizers are looking forward to his visit. "Rushdie's steadfast record as a defender of intellectual freedom makes his appearance particularly timely," Philomathean Society Moderator Arthur Bochner said in a statement. "His career is inspirational to all those who value the right to think and create." The event, "Step Across This Line: An Evening with Salman Rushdie," will be held on Feb. 11 in Irvine Auditorium. The famous activist will discuss contemporary literature, politics and culture. Rushdie's 1989 book, The Satanic Verses, which the Iranian government perceived as a blasphemous parody of Islam was the impetus for the issuing of a religious edict, or fatwa, which condemned him to death by the Iranian government. The fatwa was in effect for nine years -- the Iranian government lifted the edict in September 1998. During the intervening time, Rushdie continued writing books while in hiding with protection from the British government. College senior Tim McCarten, co-director of the Social Planning and Events Committee's Connaissance branch, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, which is also co-sponsored by the Philomathean Society, University Provost Robert Barchi, the Penn Humanities Forum and the International Affairs Association. "I'm very excited about the event," McCarten said. "It's a great opportunity to hear from one of the world's foremost literary figures. It's particularly exciting because Rushdie is not just an author -- he is someone who transcends literature and is a prominent political figure." In addition to critical essays and commentaries, Rushdie has published works, including Midnight's Children and The Moor's Last Sigh. Most recently, Rushdie published a collection of nonfiction essays, entitled Step Across This Line: Collected Nonfiction 1992-2002. "I am looking forward to hearing someone as well-informed and as worldly as Rushdie," McCarten said. "Students will be able to take a lot away from it. It is an opportunity they shouldn't pass up." In the week preceding the lecture, the Philomathean Society will host a series of activities exploring the artistic, literary and cultural contexts of Rushdie's works. Tickets will be distributed by lottery, which will run from Jan. 14 until Jan. 28.