May 2010 marked the 70th anniversary of the birth of Soviet dissident poet and Nobel Laureate Joseph Brodsky. His life and achievements were celebrated at a 12 October 2010 seminar and poetry reading co-hosted by the Kennan Institute, the Russian Cultural Centre, the Likachev Foundation and United Airlines. Panelists included Michael Milchik, Photographer, St. Petersburg, Russia; Nina Popova, Director, Anna Akhmatova Museum, St. Petersburg; Ann Kjellberg, Executor and Trustee, Estate of Joseph Brodsky; Polina Barskova, Poet and Assistant Professor, Hampshire College; Catherine Ciepiela, Professor of Russian, Amherst College; and Mary Jo Salter, Professor, The Writing Seminars, Johns Hopkins University.

Mikhail Milchik commenced the panel's conversation with a discussion of Joseph Brosky's life in the Soviet Union, Italy, and America, which was complemented by a slideshow of images of Brodsky throughout his career. As Brodsky was considered a protégé of famed Russian poetess Anna Akhmatova, Nina Popova explained the importance of historic preservation of the two poets' work, as well as the correlation between their careers and the mission of the Anna Akhmatova Museum.

A friend and former colleague of the poet laureate, Catherine Ciepiela read Brodsky's work titled "May 24th, 1980" and provided insight on the construction of the poem. The event concluded with a poetry reading by Mary Jo Salter, whose work focused on the impact of Joseph Brodsky on her life. The event was followed by a reception held by the Russian Cultural Centre.


By Amy Shannon Liedy
Blair Ruble, Director, Kennan Institute