Forum of Slavic Cultures and partners kicked off the Slavic Seasons cycle at Bogenšperk Castle with the first in the series of events. Young grammar school students from Celje and Litija listened to the motivational address by Dmitry Polikanov, Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo, and talked to Slovenian author Vlado Žabot and Yulia Sozina, literary historian from Russia.
The autumnal event kicked off the Slavic Seasons cycle at Bogenšperk Castle, organized by the Forum of Slavic Cultures (FSK) in collaboration with the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Ljubljana, Public Institute Bogenšperk, Municipality of Šmartno pri Litiji, Celje – Center Grammar School and Litija Grammar School. The cycle opens up the Bogenšperk Castle, Slovenian historical and cultural gem, for the young and revives its history in the context of Slavic culture. “The purpose of the events is to engage the young and the general public in the world of literature, language and history, and give them the opportunity to meet with notable figures from the world of literature and linguistics,” said Dr. Andreja Rihter, FSK Director.
At the first meeting, 64 young grammar school students from Celje and Litija met with Slovenian author Vlado Žabot and Yulia Sozina, literary historian and translator from Russia.
Vlado Žabot stressed the importance of contacts between Slavic cultures, which are forged and maintained also through translations. In the context of literary translation he noted: “The author is always a bit uncomfortable with the translator, not knowing whether his book will live in another language and whether its spirit will still be there.” He added that every five days a new translation of a Slovenian author is published abroad.
Young students were greeted also by Dmitry Polikanov, Deputy Head of Rossotrudnichestvo. He described his career and asked students about their interests, which will serve as the basis for future events. The participants were also taken on a tour of the Bogenšperk Castle.
Slavic Seasons at Bogenšperk Castle will continue at the end of January, when the students will prepare a cultural programme focused on a specific theme.
Photo: Boris Pretnar
