‘You will hardly recognise Russia…’

Abstract

The interview of the critic Anna Zhuchkova with the poet, novelist and playwright Dmitry Danilov touches on a number of topics — from the prevalent trends in modern Russian literature to Danilov’s own artistic principles; from ‘new ethics’ to Christian ethics; and from personal to shared responsibility. The interview discusses Russia’s destiny, the country’s past and future, and the role of literature in the life of its people. The conversation also provides an insight into Danilov’s personality. The author of the celebrated plays A Man from Podolsk [Chelovek iz Podolska], What Were You Doing Last Night? [Chto vy delali vchera vecherom?], and Seryozha Is Really Dumb [Seryozha ochen tupoy] talks about his younger days in the USSR, a failed attempt to become a student at Moscow State University, moral principles rooted in Christian ethics, and his favourite books; pondering Russia’s current situation, he comes up with predictions.