The department of foreign languages, literature and cultures at Roma Tre University presents "Problems with Authority: The II International Flann O'Brien Conference" from 19-21 June. 

The three-day conference is dedicated to the works of the Irish writer Brian O’Nolan (1911-1966), a major figure in 20th-century Irish literature and better-known by his nom de plume Flann O'Brien, or indeed "Myles na gCopaleen" from his satirical column for The Irish Times newspaper.

The conference will explore the conflicting authorities within O'Brien's work: between traditional and modern scripts, local and international perspectives, and between avant-garde and conservative approaches to the authorities of science, history, and literary tradition.

There will be a huge number of international speakers addressing the conference, of which the keynote speakers are Jed Esty, professor of English at the University of Pennsylvania; Carol Taaffe, who teaches Irish literature for the Boston University Dublin Programme; and Dirk Van Hulle, professor of English Literature at the University of Antwerp.

The conference's performers comprise a list of award-winning Irish artistic figures: actor and director Mikel Murfi; writer and actor Mark O'Halloran; poet Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin; author Julian Gough; Irish-language poet Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh; and poet Aifric Mac Aodha.

There are numerous side events to the main programme including readings at the Franciscan college of S. Isidore, and the Fiddler's Elbow Irish pub. The conference is supported by the embassy of Ireland to Italy, and the Ireland Literature Exchange.

For full details see the programme.