Original version

BBC Radio 4 Extra

Poetry Extra

Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media

Weekly opportunity for listeners to revisit the riches of the BBC radio poetry archive

A brand new poetry slot on Radio 4 Extra gives listeners a weekly opportunity to revisit the riches of the BBC radio poetry archive

Poetry Extra: Poetry and the Russian Soul

28/08/2016

Poetry and the Russian Soul

BBC Radio 4 Extra - Poetry Extra, Poetry and the Russian Soul

Daljit Nagra introduces Poetry and the Russian Soul, presented by Martin Sixsmith.

4 Extra Debut. 'And Poetry Awakes in Me': Poet-in-Residence Daljit Nagra introduces Poetry and the Russian Soul, presented by Martin Sixsmith. From July 2008.

BBC Radio 4's Poet in Residence, Daljit Nagra revisits the BBC's radio poetry archive with Poetry and the Russian Soul. 

A short but epic adventure through the heart and soul of Russia's poetry. Martin Sixsmith explores the 'strange kind of love' - often fatal - that Russia's poets have had for their homeland. And asks can you understand Russia better through its verse?

"and poetry awakens in me" (Vasili Pushkin- Autumn) Poetry is uniquely linked to Russian identity and nationhood. Effectively a creation of the 18th century, it was vital in creating a natural language and form of expression as modern Russia forged a separate identity from the old world of the Slavonic church.

Pushkin was its first hero and remains the archetype of the brilliant but doomed poet whose quest for the essential truth of his nation and people carries with it fatal consequences. Russia, after all, is one of the few countries where writing poetry can amount to a death sentence.

Producer: Mark Burman
First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2008.

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama

Your digital radio entertainment station showcasing the best in comedy and drama. With recent favourites from BBC Radio 4.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Poetry Extra

Poetry and the Russian Soul

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 Extra

About BBC Radio 4 Extra