October 12, 2021 | 5:30-7:00 p.m.
The October 12 WorldCanvass explored the life, writings, and legacy of a giant in world literature, Fyodor Dostoevsky. Two hundred years after his birth and 140 years after his death, Dostoevsky’s novels, short stories, and essays continue to captivate readers, scholars, and artists around the world. Why? Why does Dostoevsky’s writing, with so much of it reflective of a very particular historical moment in Russian history—far from our own time—still speak to us? WorldCanvass guests tried to answer those questions. The event was held in the UI Main Library Gallery and members of the public were welcome to attend in person or join the event on Zoom or Facebook Live.
Anna Barker, visiting assistant professor in the Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures, was our guide as we learned about Dostoevsky’s life and literary evolution. She was joined by staff from UI Libraries Conservation & Collections Care and UI Libraries Special Collections & Archives who have contributed to a rich exhibition of Dostoevsky material which is currently on display in the Main Library Gallery, where WorldCanvass was held. The Dostoevsky narrative continued with conversations about film, opera, and theater adaptations of his most admired works.
Location: UI Main Library Gallery
Free and open to the public.
Audio
Part 1: Dostoevsky—the man, the literary figure, the exhibition
- Anna Barker—visiting assistant professor, Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures, University of Iowa
- Eric Ensley—curator of rare books and maps, University of Iowa Libraries Special Collections & Archives
- Bill Voss—conservator technician, University of Iowa Libraries Conservation & Collections Care
Part 2: Dostoevsky— opera and film adaptations
- Anna Barker— visiting assistant professor, Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures, University of Iowa
- Nathan Platte—associate professor, School of Music, University of Iowa
- Ben Delgado—programming director, FilmScene, Iowa City
Part 3: Performing Dostoevsky
- Anna Barker— visiting assistant professor, Department of Asian and Slavic Languages and Literatures, University of Iowa
- Adam Knight—producing artistic director, Riverside Theatre, Iowa City
- Ron Clark—co-founder, director, Riverside Theatre, Iowa City
- John William Watkins—actor, Riverside Theatre, Iowa City
Media Coverage
Press-Citizen: University of Iowa professor: Why I'm excited to introduce audiences to Dostoevsky, Anna Barker
WorldCanvass programs are recorded as audio podcasts and are available on iTunes, the Public Radio Exchange (PRX), and the WorldCanvass website. University of Iowa International Programs produces the series in partnership with MERGE, 136 South Dubuque Street. Audio production is provided by Kyle Marxen.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Amy Green in advance at amy-green-1@uiowa.edu or 319-335-1433.