The autumn event calendar of cultural activities in the Penza Region is annually opened by the Kuprin Literary Festival, which is held in the village of Narovchat, the birthplace of Alexander Ivanovich Kuprin.
On September 7, 2024, the literary event will bring together admirers of the talent of the outstanding Russian classic for the 40th time. The ceremonial opening will traditionally take place on the main stage by the architectural and sculptural ensemble 'Monument to A. I. Kuprin' at 11:00.
On the grounds of the village of Narovchat there will be theatrical events, numerous play and interactive areas, and rows of trade and craft stalls. Guests can expect creative spaces for every taste and age, master classes, a concert program, and contests. The festival's atmosphere will be shaped by 'Narovchat Miniatures', the beloved 'Apple Alley', as well as ladies and cavaliers strolling the shady paths of the town park and a game of croquet. Throughout the festival, carriage rides will be organized for guests. Visitors will be able to enjoy the favorite dishes of the great classic at the 'Kuprin Dinner', which will be held at the 'Tavern on Pyatnitskaya' (advance booking required).
On the main stage of the 40th Kuprin Literary Festival there will be an awards ceremony for the laureates of the 25th literary creative contest 'The Garnet Bracelet'. This year the Association of State Literary and Memorial Museums of the Penza Region received more than 100 works from various regions of Russia and abroad in two categories: 'Literature. Small epic genre: short story, sketch, essay' and 'Design'.
The theme of the Kuprin Literary Festival in 2024 is 'The Kuprins' Family Hearth', and the eponymous theatrical guided tour in the memorial house will reveal it to every museum guest. Participants in the immersive theatrical program will be immersed in the atmosphere of the great writer's family life. Stories about the harmonious family life of the Kuprins in Narovchat and the traditions that shaped the future writer's worldview will fill the meeting with the spirit of the era and familial warmth. A new exhibition, 'Kuprin — a Source of Inspiration', will be on display in the museum's Exhibition Hall for festival visitors.
Another bright note of the festival will be the presentation of a special fragrance, inspired for its creation by a perfumer from Penza by Alexander Ivanovich Kuprin's stories, his memorial house and his native places.
The special guest of the 40th Kuprin Literary Festival will be actor, director and producer Andrey Sokolov (Moscow)! He will perform with his creative team on the festival's main stage.
Throughout the festival, an 'Interview Gazebo' will operate in the 'Kuprin Garden', where guests will talk about the place the Kuprin festival occupies in the cultural life of Penza and the Penza Region; how the idea arose to complete the collaborative novel 'Three Letters', which was published in 1911 in the pages of 'The Blue Journal'; about the most successful screen adaptations of Kuprin's works and productions on Penza's theater stages; and about the creation of the perfume 'Aromat.Kuprin'. Among the guests of the 'Open Studio' will be the winners of the creative contest and special festival guests. Thanks to the broadcast of the interviews, anyone from anywhere in the world will be able to join the Kuprin Literary Festival!
