Abstract

The lecture will present the major themes, forms and authors of Russian poetry in Leningrad Samizdat during the 1950s-1980s. Using examples from the most notable and influential poets, such as R. Mandelshtam, Aronzon, Krivulin, Schwarz, Stratanovsky, Kuzminsky, Okhapkin, attention will be drawn to their role in the circulation of literature, through anthologies and journals in the peculiar context of the unofficial culture. Together with the analysis of some emblematic poems, the discourse will also concern reflections on a set of behaviours and strategies of the literary Underground, including its relation with the Soviet cultural establishment.

The lecture will be accompanied by videos and slides

Language: lecture in Russian, with slides and Q/A session in English