A 3-day festival celebrates author Philip Roth and his New Jersey roots

A three-day fete honoring the legacy of renowned author Philip Roth and his New Jersey roots is set to commence this weekend.

The Philip Roth Society is hosting a celebration of the iconic author’s life and work, with events running from June 7th to June 9th. The festivities will take place at various locations in Newark, Roth’s hometown, and are intended to commemorate the author’s contributions to literature as well as his roots in the Garden State.

The event will kick off on Friday evening with a reception at Rutgers-Newark University’s Paul Robeson Campus Center, followed by a panel discussion featuring prominent academics and Roth scholars. The conversation will center on the author’s legacy, with participants expected to delve into Roth’s vast literary output and his impact on both the literary world and American culture at large.

Saturday’s festivities will consist of a variety of activities designed to explore Roth’s relationship with his native state. The day will begin with a walking tour of the author’s childhood neighborhood, followed by a bus trip to the nearby town of Weequahic, the setting for many of Roth’s works. In the afternoon, attendees will take part in a screening of the Emmy-nominated documentary “Philip Roth: Unmasked” and a discussion of the film’s implications.

The event will conclude on Sunday with a commemorative ceremony at the Weequahic Park Band Shell. The event will feature a keynote address by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, as well as remarks from Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and other notable figures. The ceremony will serve as a fitting tribute to Roth’s life and legacy, as well as his enduring connection to the Garden State.

The Philip Roth Society’s three-day fete promises to be a unique and educational experience, offering an in-depth look at the life and works of a celebrated American author and his relationship with the state of New Jersey. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Roth’s contributions to literature while reflecting on his enduring legacy.