Andrei Codrescu Teaches “How to Live under Fascism” at the Romanian Cultural Institute
- RCI USA
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
About the Event
We are thrilled to host the launching event of Andrei Codrescu’s latest poetry collection, provocatively titled “How to Live Under Fascism”, a timely and brilliant poetic statement that confronts the specters of history with dark irony, lyrical defiance, and fierce clarity. One of the most successful Romanian artists living abroad and a singular voice in American letters, Codrescu reaffirms the power of art, creativity, and humor to uphold the cherished ideals of freedom and democracy in turbulent times. Join us for an evening of poetry, conversation, and reflection as part of the Institute’s ongoing literary program. Guest speakers: Romanian-American writer Carmen Firan and American writer Vincent Katz.
Meet the Writer
ANDREI CODRESCU is a Romanian-born American poet, novelist, essayist, and former NPR commentator known for his incisive wit and politically charged writing. Born in Sibiu, Romania, in 1946, he emigrated to the United States in 1966, where he quickly became a distinctive voice in American literature, blending surrealism, exile, and satire. Over the decades, Codrescu has published dozens of poetry collections, novels, and essays, and has taught literature and creative writing at Louisiana State University. A MacArthur Fellow and founder of The Exquisite Corpse literary journal, his work continues to challenge cultural norms and authoritarian impulses with biting humor and profound insight.
Meet the Guests
CARMEN FIRAN is a Romanian-American poet, novelist, short story writer, journalist, and playwright based in New York City. Born on November 29, 1958, in Craiova, Romania, she has published over twenty-eight books, including poetry collections, novels, essays, and plays, both in Romania and the United States. Her work has been widely translated and featured in literary magazines and anthologies across Europe, North America, and Israel. Since relocating to New York in 2000, Firan has been active in the literary community as a member of PEN America and the Poetry Society of America. She serves on the editorial board of the international magazine "Interpoezia" and has co-edited several anthologies, including "Born in Utopia: An Anthology of Romanian Modern and Contemporary Poetry". Her notable English-language works include "Rock and Dew", "Words and Flesh", "The Second Life", and "Interviews and Encounters" (with Nina Cassian). Firan’s writing often explores themes of exile, identity, and cultural transformation, blending lyrical expression with sharp insight into the immigrant experience.
VINCENT KATZ is an American poet, translator, art critic, editor, and curator based in New York City. Born on June 4, 1960, he is the son of painter Alex Katz and biologist/theatrical producer Ada Katz. He earned his BA in Classics from the University of Chicago and an MA from Oxford University. Katz is the author of numerous poetry collections, including "Broadway for Paul" (2020), "Southness" (2016), "Swimming Home" (2015), and "Rapid Departures" (2005). His work often reflects the influence of the New York School poets, particularly Frank O’Hara, and explores themes of urban life and contemporary experience. As a translator, Katz is noted for his translations of Latin poetry, including "Charm: Sextus Propertius" (1995) and "The Complete Elegies of Sextus Propertius" (2004), the latter of which won the National Translation Award from the American Literary Translators Association. In addition to his literary work, Katz has curated exhibitions on artists such as Rudy Burckhardt and Francesco Clemente, and co-directed documentaries including "Man in the Woods: The Art of Rudy Burckhardt" and "Kiki Smith: Squatting the Palace" with his wife, Vivien Bittencourt. He currently curates the Readings in Contemporary Poetry series at Dia Art Foundation in New York City.
