Dear Friends,
Yesterday was June 11th, and there was a 75th Memorial regarding the death of Vygotsky in Moscow. I wanted to give you some image of that event. In the morning people met at the grave of Vygotsky and brought flowers. Most were from the Vygotsky Institute of Psychology at the Russian State University for the Humanities. It was different from other years, because Gita L'vovna was not well enough to attend, and there was silence this year. In previous years people would speak, and one year it was filmed. (By the way, a team of people outside of the Russian State University for the Humanities are preparing a new documentary on Vygotsky). The gravestone is no longer clear, it is very dull and it is hard to read Vygotsky's name, and that of Rosa. It is interesting that Zalkind's grave is right behind Vygotsky's. It was a silent time of reflection....and for me, a time to listen and just feel the moment
That afternoon, there was a Round Table with prepared talks and anyone could speak. The focus of the Round Table was on Vygotsky's concept of art and aesthetics...V. Sobkin spoke and told us a little about the Bakhtin conference in Sweden last week (hopefully, someone on this list will report on that conference). I found it interesting that art was the focus, and although I cannot verify things (some of you probably can), perhaps the first book that will be published from the archives will revolve around art.
During the evening, Elena Kravtsova started something new....she invited the participants to come to her home in the country for a small dinner and celebration....since the invitation was only given after the Round Table, around 25 people came, including Janna Glozman. There were mostly students, the Golden Key School team, and a couple of professors. The point of this small event was symbolic....by opening her home to all attending the Round Table there was/is also the hope that we can open our hearts to work with each other in a closer fashion. One idea I am listening to is the focus of Oleg Kravtsov (Elena's third son), which is on tolerance. I am sure we will somehow publish an article in English by him (from his dissertation, which he has completed).
When everyone left, I was able to speak to Gita L'vonva for a few minutes alone.....Clearly, this is something I do not take for granted. It was a sad day and a happy day for her, and for all. Well, I would like to give all of you the main image I am left with, from the words of Elena Kravtsova....she wants to work with anyone who wants to work with her…. those of course, with good intentions. I hope that with this message all of you will feel like you were here with Elena and Gita and their family, colleagues, and friends. May we learn genuine tolerance of each other, and begin anew to work together. The overall feeling of the day was not the end, but a new beginning.
with respect,
Dot
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