Audio - Stalingrad
Press Release
Translated by Robert and Elizabeth Chandler, and dramatised by Mike Walker (part one) and Jonathan Myerson (part two), Stalingrad is a prequel to Grossman’s novel Life And Fate, which was adapted by Radio 4 in 2011 and featuring many of the same acclaimed cast, including Greta Scacchi, Mark Bonnar, Ann Mitchell, Doon Mackichan, Kenneth Cranham and more.
Actor Kenneth Branagh said “Stalingrad is unique radio, and a true privilege to work on. A gripping panorama of the human experience in an epic Russian context, but with a universal, and very personal connection for listeners. I’m so grateful that the BBC have given us this masterpiece in audio, and proud to have played a small part in a phenomenally talented and committed cast and production team.”
The Radio 4 adaptation of Life And Fate was a discovery for many listeners and triggered a revival of enthusiasm for this towering Russian novel of the twentieth century, and the extraordinary life and work of its author Vasily Grossman. There will be another chance to hear Life And Fate as part of the Grossman’s War collection on BBC Sounds, and from 8th December when it broadcasts on Radio 4 Extra.
Alison Hindell, Radio 4 Commissioning Editor for Drama and Fiction added “Our first mission into the battlefields of Grossman yielded great success, with Radio 4 listeners embracing the author’s potent subject matter. Through this vivid account and rich audio storytelling, we hope to transport them back to the beginning of the Stalingrad story.”
To accompany the adaption Radio 4 also gives over Book Of The Week to Stalingrad: Destiny Of A Novel; featuring readings from Grossman's private journal, translated here for the first time ever, chronicling his novel's tortuous progress through Soviet censorship from 1950-53. A period when Stalin's last campaign of terror was unfolding against his own Jewish population. Written and presented by author and historian Catherine Merridale, with readings by Anton Lesser, the five-part series tells the dramatic backstory behind the novel and the beginnings of Grossman’s own journey towards Soviet heresy. He was canny enough to keep a personal diary of the process of submitting his manuscript, translated into English for the first time it reveals the beginnings of a maddening journey that became an epic battle of wills. Detailing the pressure of Soviet forces attempting to censor Grossman, and the changing tides of approval and disapproval he faced from his comrades.
Part 1 of Stalingrad will be broadcast on Radio 4 on Saturday 30 November, 2.45-4.45pm with part 2 on Sunday 1st December, 3-5pm
The first of 5 episodes of Book of the Week featuring Stalingrad: Destiny Of A Novel is presented on Monday 2nd
Life And Fate begins a re-run on BBC Radio 4 Extra on Sunday 8th December, 4-5pm
Image - BBC
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