'In Other Words, It Was About Something Else Entirely': Poetry Reading and Discussion with Semyon Khanin

Event poster for “In Other Words, It Was About Something Else Entirely” – Semyon Khanin: A Poetry Reading and Discussion, featuring Semyon Khanin, Kevin M.F. Platt, and Daria Khitrova, on Thursday, April 16, 5–6:30 PM at the CGIS South Building, Third Floor, Room S354, hosted by the Davis Center and Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Date and Time

April 16, 2026
05:00PM - 06:30PM EDT

Location

Room S354, CGIS South

Semyon Khanin, Poet and Translator; Founding Member, Orbita Poetry and Multimedia Art Project
Kevin M. F. Platt, Professor of Russian and East European Studies, University of Pennsylvania
Moderator: Daria Khitrova, Professor of Slavic Languages and Literatures, Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures

Semyon Khanin numbers as one of Latvia’s most prominent poets. His writing combines existential depth, startling and transformative play with fundamental elements of grammar and syntax, and acute wit and humor, and stands at the forefront of innovative Russian-language poetry today. Khanin will appear together with Kevin M. F. Platt, who is among his longstanding translators into English. This bilingual reading will be followed by a Q&A and discussion with the poet and translator.

Co-sponsored by the Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies.

Accessibility

Harvard University welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact the Slavic Department at 617-495-4065 or slavic@fas.harvard.edu in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance, if possible. Please note that the university will make every effort to secure services, but that services are subject to availability.