Russian classics without schoolbook varnish
We return to great Russian texts not to recite textbook dogmas, but to hear the authentic voices of each epoch, decode hidden irony, tragedy, and radical authorial enquiry.
Course: ‘Between Fall and Resurrection’
An extensive cycle exploring two foundational archetypes of Russian literature: dramatic internal crisis and spiritual transformation, interwoven with wanderings across the expanse of empire.
Tolstoy's final major novel on Prince Nekhlyudov's guilt, the hypocrisy of judicial institutions, and spiritual awakening on the Siberian convict road.
A daring synthesis of prose and verse: high-society mask vs the authentic poetic soul.
Three aesthetic manifestos: classical prophetic poise, spontaneous tempestuous grief, and metaphysical decadence.
A chronicle of Stalinist prisons and Kolyma labour camps, celebrating human dignity and solidarity.
An unsparing domestic drama, navigating suffocating hyper-custody and survival.
The first uncompromising indictment of serfdom along imperial post routes.
Chichikov's carriage traversing metaphysical stagnation and the iconic Russian troika.
A prose poem on an unachievable paradise, biblical allusions, and holy foolishness aboard a commuter train.
Previously Explored
Gathering Agreements
Care for others' viewpoints. We challenge ideas with rigour, but remain gentle with each other.
The text takes centre stage. We ground our dialogue in the work itself, avoiding school clichés.
Flexible participation. If you need to arrive a little late or leave early — let us know, that is fine.
How the Conversation Runs
Preparation: Simply reading the announced text is entirely sufficient.
Parlour atmosphere: Intimate group of roughly 10 participants, tea brought along as you wish, no lecture distance.
Sober minds: Drinks stronger than tea are fundamentally discouraged.