Sergei Dovlatov, having lived in Tallinn in 1972-75, is among the most widely read contemporary Russian writers who has achieved wide international acclaim. An important place in Dovlatov’s work is held by „Compromise“ (1981) which in an ironical, lyrical and tragicomic way tells stories about Tallinn of the Seventies. Dovlatov has written that there were three important cities in his life: Leningrad, Tallinn and New York.

Dovlatov Days in Tallinn present Dovlatov to Estonian literature aficionados through diverse genres – including theatre, film, literary symposium, exhibition and excursions. Special emphasis is on engaging former friends and colleagues of Dovlatov, among whom are bright stars of Russian cultural space from Russia, USA and Estonia.

-  Exhibition „Sergei Dovlatov: By the Author“ – Estonian-Russian joint exhibition about the life and work of Dovlatov, to be opened in Estonian National Library on August 25 in cooperation with Lermontov Central Library of St. Petersburg (Russia)
- Films about Dovlatov (August 25): Screening of three documentary films („Live History. Dovlatov“ (Russia, 2007), „Intimate Town“ (Estonia, 2003), „You Will Be Proud of Me. Dovlatov“ (Estonia, 2011, premiere). Screenings will be attended by film directors, including Lev Lourie, a well-known historian and publicist from St. Petersburg.
- Literary symposium „Dovlatov – Genius Loci“ (August 26): Presentations about the work of Dovlatov by accomplished writers and experts of literature, including Alexandr Genis (New York), Andrei Aryev (St. Petersburg), Valeriy Popov (St. Petersburg), Yuri Orlitskiy (Moscow) and Elena Skulskaya (Tallinn).
- „Reading Dovlatov“ (August 26): literary performance based on Dovlatov’s prose, letters and poems. Dramatization - Elena Skulskaya, director - Tatyana Kosmynina, artistic consultant – Priit Pedajas. Actors include Natalja Murina-Puustusmaa, Alina Karmazina, Aleksandr Kutshmezov, Helvin Kaljula, Veljo Reinik and others.
- Commemorative evening „Buddies about Dovlatov“ (August 27) – with the participation of Dovlatov’s friends and actors from Estonian theatres.

Dovlatov Days in Tallinn are organized by Foundation Hortus Litterarum. Festival partners include Estonian Writers’ Union, Estonian National Library, Estonian Drama Theatre, Russian Puppet Theatre (Tallinn) and Lermontov Central Library (St. Petersburg). Dovlatov Days in Tallinn are supported by Integration and Migration Foundation „Our People“ (MISA) and Estonian Cultural Endowment. Festival’s media partner is DELFI. Dovlatov Days in Tallinn are part of the programme of Tallinn 2011 – European Capital of Culture.
More information:

Dovlatov Days on the Web: www.dovlatov.ee