"Live Lit!" series finale considers "Icons of Russian Literature" at Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts

November 25, 2003

The Regina A. Quick Center for the Art's "Live Lit!" series concludes Sunday, Dec. 7, with "Icons of Russian Literature," live readings of Pushkin, Chekhov and newcomer Gary Shteyngart. Afternoon tea will precede the 3 p.m. performance by seasoned, professional actors in the Quick Center's Wien Experimental Theatre.

The afternoon begins with Shteyngart's "Shylock on the Neva" read by Bridgeport resident Tom Zingarelli, the Quick Center's executive director. Shteyngart, one of the most promising young Russian writers, was born in Leningrad in 1972 and came to the United States seven years later.

Katie Sparer of Stratford will read "The Squire's Daughter" by Alexander Sergeyovitch Pushkin. Some scholars credit Pushkin with single-handedly creating modern Russian literature, tackling everything from the ennui of aristocratic life to the simple joys of the Russian commoner.

The afternoon concludes with Anton Chekhov's "A Day in the Country." Danbury resident William Jess Russell will read the work. One of Russia's most cherished storytellers, Chekhov is best known for his plays, which include "Uncle Vanya," "The Seagull" and "The Cherry Orchard," and insightful shorter works.

The Live Lit! series is directed by Tess Link of Westport.

Tickets are $10. For tickets, call the Quick Center box office at (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396. For more information, visit the website, www.quickcenter.com. Media requests should be made to Dana Ambrosini, Fairfield University's assistant director of media relations, at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2726.

Fairfield University is a comprehensive Jesuit university that prepares undergraduate, graduate and continuing education students for leadership and service in a constantly changing world. U.S.News and World Report's 2003 "America's Best Colleges" ranks Fairfield third among universities with master's programs in the North. Approximately 5,000 undergraduate and graduate students from 37 states, 43 countries, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico are enrolled at the University's six schools. The University was founded in 1942 in the scenic shoreline community of Fairfield, Connecticut.