Prize-Winning Russian Writers to Visit US

NEW YORK, Dec. 22, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Russia's newest literary voices will be traveling to the United States in February for a series of engagements at the New York Public Library, Harvard University, Georgetown University and Bard College.

The group, which includes young finalists and winners of the Debut Prize and often other awards, comprises some of the most innovative voices in Russian literature today. "These young voices are critical and vital to confronting the religious, cultural and political cross currents of post-Soviet Russia," stated Debut Prize program director Olga Slavnikova, herself a leading Russian novelist, winner of the Russian Booker Prize and even, most recently, a Chinese award for Best Foreign Novel for her latest work, Light Head.

The writers will be reading their works and will speak to the role of artists and writers in contemporary Russia and in the context of emerging political, social and artistic trends during the two-week US tour.

"Introducing these writers to people and institutions in America is important at this crucial moment in history. They will bring Russian voices that America has never heard. Our countries have much in common, including great size and global influence. The artists we have honored with the Debut Prize have a special perspective on the challenges of confronting and interpreting Russia's changing realities, not necessarily what you have been hearing or reading about Russia," remarked Slavnikova, who will also be reading at the events.

One of Russia's elite literary honors, the Debut Prize is awarded annually to authors of literary works in the Russian language. The Debut is special: its mission is to discover new literature in Russian the world over. This year's winners were selected from more than 70,000 submissions in six categories. The first Debut Prize was awarded in 2000.

Please contact John William Narins of Causa Artium, the arts nonprofit bringing Debut Prize literature to America, at 818-642-9225 for more information and to learn more about the upcoming visit.

Media Contact: 

John William Narins
The Debut Prize Foundation
Telephone: 818-642-9225
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.pokolenie-debut.com/
Website: http://www.causaartium.org/  

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SOURCE The Debut Prize Foundation