Dovlatov’s works celebrated

TALLINN - Sergei Dovlatov, having lived in Tallinn in 1972-75, is among the most widely read contemporary Russian writers who have achieved wide international acclaim. The Dovlatov Days in Tallinn will present Dovlatov in Estonia through diverse genres - including theater, film, literary symposium, exhibition and excursions, announced cultural fund Tallinn 2011, reports news agency LETA.

Special emphasis of the upcoming event is put on engaging former friends and colleagues of Dovlatov, among whom are bright stars of the Russian cultural space from Russia, USA and Estonia.
The program provides an exhibition titled ‘Sergei Dovlatov: By the Author’ - the Estonian-Russian joint exhibition about the life and work of Dovlatov, which will open in the Estonian National Library on Aug. 25 in cooperation with Lermontov Central Library of St. Petersburg (Russia); screening films about Dovlatov (on Aug. 25): three documentaries – ‘Live History. Dovlatov’ (Russia, 2007), ‘Intimate Town’ (Estonia, 2003), ‘You Will Be Proud of Me. Dovlatov’ (Estonia, 2011, premiere).

Screenings will be attended by film directors, including Lev Lourie, a well-known historian and publicist from St. Petersburg. On Aug. 26, a literary symposium ‘Dovlatov - Genius Loci’ will take place with presentations about the work of Dovlatov by accomplished writers and experts of literature, including Alexandr Genis (New York), Andrei Aryev (St. Petersburg), Valeriy Popov (St. Petersburg), Yuri Orlitskiy (Moscow) and Elena Skulskaya (Tallinn).

A literary performance ‘Reading Dovlatov’ on Aug. 26 will present the writer’s prose, letters and poems. Dramatization of the performance made by Elena Skulskaya, director - Tatyana Kosmynina, artistic consultant - Priit Pedajas. Actors include Natalja Murina-Puustusmaa, Alina Karmazina, Aleksandr Kutshmezov, Helvin Kaljula, Veljo Reinik and others.
The organizers also plan a commemorative evening ‘Buddies about Dovlatov’ which will take place on Aug. 27, with the participation of Dovlatov’s friends and actors from Estonian theaters.
Dovlatov Days in Tallinn is organized by Foundation Hortus Litterarum. Festival partners include Estonian Writers’ Union, Estonian National Library, Estonian Drama Theater, Russian Puppet Theater (Tallinn) and Lermontov Central Library (St. Petersburg).

Dovlatov Days in Tallinn is supported by Integration and Migration Foundation ‘Our People’ (MISA) and Estonian Cultural Endowment. The festival’s media partner is DELFI. Dovlatov Days in Tallinn is part of the program of Tallinn 2011 - European Capital of Culture.