Stars gather for PEN USA event

Lou Diamond Phillips, Richard Schiff, Samantha Mathis, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Larry Gelbart and Robert Wuhl will be among the celebrities to participate in PEN USA’s annual fundraiser on May 20, “Forbidden Fruit: Readings From Banned Works of Literature.”

The program of readings begins at 11:30 a.m. at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The event also will pay tribute to actor and author Kirk Douglas for defending freedom of expression.

The public is invited to attend. Tickets range from $200 to $350. Information: (310) 862-1555, Ext. 365.