New opening night for Passa Porta Festival

Brussels literary festival Passa Porta kicks off this Friday night with a change in programme, as American author Paul Auster was forced to cancel his appearance at Flagey. Auster, 70, is experiencing problems with his vocal chords and is under doctor's orders to rest.

The novelist is being replaced by a panel of writers who will talk about the intersections between politics and literature in an evening dubbed "How to Read the World". Turkish author and journalist Ece Temelkurant, Iranian-French author Négar Djavadi and celebrated Columbian novelist Juan Gabriel Vasquez (pictured) will discuss their work in the contexts of their own political environments.

The event will still be in English. Ticket-holders are being contacted by Passa Porta to discuss exchange or refunds. The organisation is also planning to reschedule Auster for a later date.