Renowned Burmese human rights activist, writer, surgeon and former prisoner of conscience Ma Thida shares her courageous personal journey of resistance.
In 1993, Ma Thida was sentenced to 20 years in prison for her support of Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy and for ‘endangering public peace, having contact with illegal organisations, and distributing unlawful literature’. Released from prison in 1999, Thida’s advocacy for freedom of expression continues unabated as Chair of PEN International’s Writers in Prison Committee and as a current fellow in the Writers-in-Exile Programme of PEN Germany. In June, Ma Thida appears at The Wheeler Centre in conversation with writer, essayist and academic Michelle Aung Thin. Together, they’ll discuss the current political situation in Myanmar, Thida’s activism and survival of the harsh conditions of Insein Prison, and her ongoing dedication to freedom of expression.
Presented in partnership with PEN Melbourne. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to PEN International Myanmar. Supported by RMIT Culture.
Event and Ticketing Details
Dates & Times
Thursday 6 June
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location
Accessibility
Accessible toilets available
Assistive Listening
Auslan interpreting available by-request
Companion tickets available
Registered Assistance Animals welcome
Wheelchair accessible
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Featuring
Ma Thida
Ma Thida is a medical doctor, writer, human rights activist. She believes in freedom of expression. In 1993, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison for "endangering public peace, having contact with illegal organizations ...
Michelle Aung Thin
Dr Michelle Aung Thin was born in Rangoon, Burma (now known as Yangon and Myanmar respectively) and grew up in Ottawa, Canada. A novelist and essayist, she is the author of The Monsoon Bride, (Text 2011) and ...