786. Why Is Literature So Powerful in Ukraine, so Persecuted by Russia?

Rostyslav Semkiv is Associate Professor, Department of Literary Studies, National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. Since 2004, Director of the Smoloskyp Publishing House. His scientific articles have been published in professional periodicals, the Krytyka journal and the Dzerkalo Tyzhnia newspaper, and his reviews are published on the LitAccent literary portal and in The Ukrainian Week magazine. Semkiv has translated fiction and non-fiction books, and is the author of several non-fiction books. Member of the Ukrainian PEN Centre. At the 10th International Book Arsenal Festival, he curated the focus theme—OPTIMISTS SKEPTICS.----------LINKS:https://x.com/rsemkivhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rostyslav-semkiv-120a2517/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2kPcBJ6ZL0https://artarsenal.in.ua/en/knyzhkovij-arsenal/chlen-komandy/tanya-rodionova-2/----------DESCRIPTION:The Evolution of Ukrainian Identity and Literature: An Interview with Rostyslav Semkiv Literary CriticIn this episode, we delve into an insightful discussion with Rostyslav Semkiv, a distinguished Ukrainian literary critic. Hosted in Odesa, the conversation traverses the complexities of Ukrainian literature, the formation of Ukrainian identity, and the weaponization of literature by Russia. Sim sheds light on his extensive career as an associate professor at Kyiv Mohyla Academy and his role as a director of a small publishing house focusing on historical memoirs. They explore pivotal themes in Ukrainian literature, the impact of Soviet and Russian propaganda, the significance of literary freedom, and the resilience and identity of the Ukrainian people, especially amidst current geopolitical tensions. This episode offers a rich perspective on the battle between democracy and totalitarianism as reflected in literature and culture.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background02:18 The Role of Literature in Ukrainian Identity06:43 Russian Propaganda and Historical Narratives09:53 The Evolution of Literature in Post-Soviet States15:37 The Impact of War on Literature and Identity18:28 Comparing Ukrainian and Russian Literature29:08 Themes in Ukrainian Literature35:30 European Influence and Aspirations39:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUCK FUNDRAISER - GET A SILICON CURTAIN NAFO PATCH:Together with our friends at LIFT99 Kyiv Hub (the NAFO 69th Sniffing Brigade), we are teaming up to provide 2nd Battalion of 5th SAB with a pickup truck that they need for their missions. With your donation, you're not just sending a truck — you’re standing with Ukraine.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-communityWhy NAFO Trucks Matter: Ukrainian soldiers know the immense value of our NAFO trucks and buses. These vehicles are carefully selected, produced between 2010 and 2017, ensuring reliability for harsh frontline terrain. Each truck is capable of driving at least 20,000 km (12,500 miles) without major technical issues, making them a lifeline for soldiers in combat zones.https://www.help99.co/patches/nafo-silicon-curtain-community----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------