Now that Putin is increasing his stranglehold on the traditional Russian media landscape, the Russian political debate is moving to the internet. Aided by private capital, cultural and journalistic sanctuaries have emerged on the internet where writers, bloggers and artists can express an alternative voice.

What role do contemporary Russian writers play on these online platforms and how do they influence the public debate? Do they offer new perspectives and ways of thinking/reasoning for the Russian public, like their predecessors Tolstoy, Dostoyevsky and Turgenev did? And what interest do wealthy business have in facilitating alternative voices in Russia by supporting online platforms?

Following the parliamentary elections on 18 September, De Balie and DutchCulture search for contemporary ‘Notes from the Underground’ and explore the background of alternative voices in Russia.

Speakers
Irina Prokhorova
Literary critic and cultural historian (PhD), head of the publishing house and magazine New Literary Observer and one of the most respected intellectuals in Russia. Together with her brother, businessman and former opposition politician Mikhail Prokhorov, she leads the Mikhail Prokhorov Foundation. The Foundation is the biggest private cultural fund in Russia and has an elaborate programme that supports the development and visibility of Russian contemporary literature.

Ellen Rutten
Professor of Literature (with a focus on Slavonic literature and culture) & chair of the Slavonic Department at the University of Amsterdam.

Moderator is Eelco Bosch van Rosenthal (Journalist NOS/NTR Dutch Public Television)

Practical information
Date: Saturday 15 October 2016
Time: 20.00h
Location: De Balie, Kleine-Gartmanplantsoen 10 in Amsterdam
Language: English
Tickets: 10 euro (8,50 euro). Tickets can be purchased online at debalie.nl