Events in honor of Viktor Astafyev’s centenary commenced at the RUSSIA EXPO
On May 1, the centenary of the birth of Russian writer
Viktor Astafyev is being celebrated in Pavilion No. 75. Guests of the
Exposition were told about the author's main works and facts from his
biography.
"Happy May Day! This year the holiday coincided with
the centenary of Viktor Astafyev. Viktor Petrovich was born in the village of
Ovsyanka near Krasnoyarsk. This is a place of incredible beauty and strength,
where the Yenisei rumbles. Astafyev was filled with this power, the infinite
unity of man with nature and with God. He was a deeply religious man who loved
his Motherland and respected the Russian word. I would like to thank everyone
who came here on this day to remember, listen, enjoy the art of this unique
man," said Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the RUSSIA EXPO.
In turn, cinematographer and publicist Anatoly Zabolotsky,
who personally knew the writer, told the Exposition guests about his life and
works.
"Viktor Petrovich was an amazing person! He was wounded
three times during the war and was sent to the front line three times again,
without receiving any vacations. Imagine — a man with only one good eye was
able to write and publish fifteen volumes of his works in a publishing house in
Krasnoyarsk. He was in a hurry, he realized that he had to be on time — and he
was on time," said Anatoly Zabolotsky.
On May 1, the RUSSIA EXPO will also host a lecture on the
author's work and his place in literature. In addition, there will be a
screening of the documentary " Viktor Astafyev. Cheerful Soldier". In
it, the writer talks about the Great Patriotic War, in which he fought as a
soldier. The recording was made two years before his death. Then a masterclass
on weaving toys from straw will be held for visitors: this is a traditional craft
of the Krasnoyarsk region — the homeland of Viktor Astafyev. The program will
end with "Astafyev Readings". Actor Boris Galkin, who also knew the
author, together with writer Valery Ivanov-Tagansky and singer Galina Uletova
will read excerpts from Viktor Astafyev's works and share their memories
related to him.
The unusual art object was created by the National Centre RUSSIA together with the Government of the Tambov Region and the Kotovsk Nevalyashka Factory.
