To what extent have national narratives in Russia since the 19th century been constructed from local sources on the one hand, and after pan-European models on the other? To what extent was this dual nature of national reflections, representations, and manifestations intended, originally recognized, and accepted? What were the correlations between the notions of the national, European, global, and modern? How have these correlations changed over time? We will address these questions when (re)considering some cases from the visual, performing arts, and literature of the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union. We will explore how it was possible to compose a drama from the Russian national past based on a modern Italian opera libretto; to maintain a pan-European perspective in national history and exhibitions of Russian art; to remain a national poet in exile; and, in conclusion, how it has been possible to build an image of Russia that is not opposed to, but integrated with, Western civilization.

Roundtable Participants:
Maria Chernysheva (Smolny Beyond Borders)
Stanislav Savitski (Eberhard Karl University of Tübingen)
Andrey Shabanov (Berlin-based freelance researcher and curator)
Moderator:
Ilya Kalinin (Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin)

Address: HU Institut für Slawistik, Dorotheenstraße 65
Room 5.57, 5 Floor