HÀ NỘI — Some 50 sketches and paintings illustrating the life of Russian poet, playwright and novelist Alexander Pushkin, and his works are on display at the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Hà Nội.

It is part of the activities to celebrate his birthday on June 6 during the Russian Language Week in Việt Nam.

A number of sketches were made by Pushkin himself, featuring the portraits of his family members, politicians, and cultural and historical figures. He also drew to illustrate his works.

Most of his sketches were discovered after his death in 1837.

Other paintings illustrating his works on display at the centre were created by well-known Russian illustrators.

At the event held on Tuesday evening to celebrate his birthday, a group of Vietnamese students learning Russian language in Hà Nội played the theatre piece which was adapted from The Tale of the Fisherman and the Fish, a fairy tale in verse by Pushkin.

Vietnamese students who studied in Russia and had come back to Việt Nam many years ago also performed Russian songs.  

An award ceremony was held to honour young Vietnamese students nationwide who won the contest testing their knowledge of the fairy tales of Pushkin.

Natalia Valerievna Shafinskaia, director of the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Hà Nội, said that in 2011, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin had signed a decree deciding that June 6 — Pushkin’s birthday — would mark annually the Russian Language Day.

Considered by many to be the greatest Russian poet, he is the founder of modern Russian literature. His rich vocabulary and highly sensitive style are the foundation for modern Russian literature. His accomplishments set new records for the development of the Russian language and culture.

“The events are expected to help visitors discover further the world of literature of Russia, the great works of Pushkin and promote the knowledge of the cultures between the two countries,” she added.

Besides the Pushkin gala evening on June 6, various activities were organised at the centre, located at 501 Kim Mã Street, on the occasion of the Russian language week in Việt Nam, which lasted until June 9.

In her speech during the opening ceremony of the Russian language week on June 5, Shafinskaia said that for many generations of Vietnamese people, Russian language was not only a symbol of the fight for freedom and independence in the past, but was also the tool for development in the future.

During the whole week, Vietnamese linguistics specialised in the Russian language were introduced to the new methods in the teaching of the Russian language.

On this occasion, free Russian languages classes are open to Vietnamese students from different cities. — VNS