The Powerlessness of Language: How to Write Poetry in Times of Crisis

The Powerlessness of Language: How to Write Poetry in Times of Crisis
Date
-
Event Sponsor
Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures, CREEES Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies
Location
William R. Hewlett Teaching Center 201

Poetry reading and discussion with the leading poets and political activists: Roman Osminkin and Pavel Arseniev (Russia) and Serhiy Zhadan (Ukraine)

This evening will bring together three leading Russian and Ukrainian poets and political activists to read their poetry and discuss some of the most pressing issues of the artists in the post-Soviet space. In particular, these poets will address the efficacy of language and the poetic form in the face of human loss, the task of creating a dialogue with those on the other side of the front line, and the place of the poet in times of humanitarian crisis and resurgent authoritarian rule. In addition to showcasing some of the newest and most interesting poetry from Russian and Ukraine, this event will serve as a forum for the poets from both countries to share their insight into the cultural and socio-political crises that they confront in their poetry and activism.

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