The event, which is free and open to the pubic, will be held at the University's Kumbl Theater for the Performing Arts.

"Starting from Paumanok" is a lecture on American literature and culture, hosted by Long Island University Brooklyn's English department and supported by the Africana Studies and Gender Studies departments and the "Voices of the Rainbow" series.

Following the lecture, author and playwright Jessica Hagedorn will interview Nottage. A question and answer session with Nottage will conclude the event.

In addition to Ruined, Nottage's other works include Intimate Apparel, Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine, Crumbs from the Table of Joy and Las Meninas. She is the recipient of numerous awards.

The lecture will take place at 6:30 PM. Long Island University's Brooklyn Campus is located at 1 University Plaza, at the intersection of Flatbush Avenue and Dekalb Avenues. For more information, visit www.liu.edu/brooklyn/english or call (718) 488-1050.