All Star Blogging, Philip P ineal

Renowned philanthropist and entrepreneur Avi Oster has managed to outdo himself once again. Joining forces with WorldTheatre, Oster orchestrated a couture gala titled “Speaking in Tongues.” Armed with a platinum guest list, Speaking in Tongues was held in support of the Pushcart Prize, the prestigious literary publication designed to boost love of literature and the written word.

An annual anthology, the Pushcart Prize draws poetry and short literature from small-run magazines, presses and publishing houses around the world. By pulling the visionary authors of these small publications into the spotlight, they aim to recognize emerging literary greats and encourage the celebration of literature. The prize has become a celebrated annual milestone in the publishing community and, like Cannes for directors and film stars, serves as a launching point for many up-and-coming new artists.

In keeping with the theme of the prize, Oster paired up with WorldTheatre, a cultural nonprofit that specializes in dramatic performances of the written word. The event gave voice to many of the most moving and provocative selections from the Pushcart Prize anthology, delivered by the talents of A-list performers: stars from Avatar, True Blood, Law & Order, Scottsboro Boys, and other blockbusters from film, stage and television brought the literary shorts to life.

WorldTheatre frequently hosts Pushcart fundraisers, but this was the first time the organization teamed up with Oster. The match seems to have been made in heaven: WorldTheatre’s well-honed art and Oster’s high-level network of friends and philanthropists have been put to good use, ensuring the Pushcart Prize will continue to lead the way in literature and publishing.