Mikhail Shishkin: Russia's War and the Role of the Writer Today
What does it mean to be Russian and to write in Russian today? Join us for a lecture and discussion with Mikhail Shishkin. An emigre to Switzerland since the 90s, Shishkin is one of the best living Russian writers and a fervent critic of the Putin regime.
In this talk, Shishkin will explain why it “hurts to be Russian” and how his language “has become the language of war criminals and murderers.” He asks why his country, known for its nature and culture, "keeps turning into a monster that devours its own and other countries’ children." According to Shishkin, the aim of Russia’s so-called special military operation is to destroy democratic Ukraine, but the result will be the end of Putin’s Russia. But what then? Is Putin the disease or just a symptom? Does the way to Bucha lead through Russian literature? What can a writer do?
Bryn Mawr College welcomes the full participation of all individuals in all aspects of campus life. Should you wish to request a disability-related accommodation for this event, please contact the event sponsor/coordinator. Requests should be made as early as possible.