14 June-14 July. Letterature - Festival Internazionale di Roma returns to its traditional venue at the Basilica di Massenzio in the Roman Forum, following the last two editions at Piazza del Campidoglio, and takes place over ten evenings from 14 June-14 July.

The popular initiative celebrates the written word with a host of internationally acclaimed authors who are invited to write a text inspired by a chosen theme, which this year is Memories, composed especially for the event.

The 15th edition of the annual literature festival features a line-up of Italian and international authors who will read from their work, supported by actors and live music.

Among the writers are Pulitzer Prize-winner William Finnegan and novelist Andrew Sean Greer, both from the US; Syrian author Suad Amiry; and the London-based Italian novelist Simonetta Agnello Hornby.

Other notable participants include French writer Ian Manook; Israeli writer Dorit Rabinyan; Spanish novelist Clara Sánchez; and Italian writer Sandro Veronesi.

The festival pays homage to Shakespeare, on the 400th anniversary of his death, as well as presenting a tribute to the late American short story writer Lucia Berlin, while another special evening involves the Sicilian crime writer Andrea Camilleri in conversation with Renzo Arbore.

Entry is free, but tickets must be picked up at least two hours before the readings begin, at a designated festival booth on Clivio di Venere Felice off Via dei Fori Imperiali. Tickets are provided on a first-come, first-served basis, and readings take place at 21.00, with access to the Basilica from 20.30.

In addition to the Roman Forum venue, numerous parallel events take place at the Casa delle Letterature, including an exhibition dedicated to Italian writer and playwright Enzo Siciliano, on the tenth anniversary of his death.

For information tel. 060608 or see festival website.