Writer, NPR commentator Andrei Codrescu to speak on campus

The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Center for Russia, East Europe, and Central Asia (CREECA) presents Andrei Codrescu, National Public Radio commentator and prolific writer and editor.

He will give a free, public lecture at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 4, at the Wisconsin Union Theater, 800 Langdon St.

 During his visit to Madison, Codrescu will participate in an undergraduate class on the American Jewish Experience, take part in Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Here on Earth” and meet with members of Chadbourne Residential College.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring as talented and influential a speaker as Andrei Codrescu to our community,” says Ted Gerber, CREECA’s faculty director. “As a native of Romania, Mr. Codrescu offers a unique and compelling perspective on American culture and society.”

While there is no charge for the public lecture on Oct. 4, tickets are required and will be available starting on Monday, Sept. 27, at the Union Theater Box Office, 800 Langdon St.

Between Sept. 27-29, tickets will be available only to UW–Madison students, faculty, staff and Union members. After that, they will be available to the general public. Tickets are valid until 7:20 p.m. on Oct. 4. At 7:20, empty seats will be opened to patrons without tickets. For more information on the ticket policy, visit http://www.union.wisc.edu/WUD/dls_location.aspx

In addition to his UW–Madison-sponsored appearances, Codrescu will read from and sign his new book, “The Poetry Lesson,” a 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 3, at A Room of One’s Own, 307 W. Johnson St. For more information on this event, visit http://www.roomofonesown.com/

This mini-residency is being sponsored by CREECA with co-sponsorship from Global Studies, the Language Institute, the Center for Jewish Studies, “From Romania!” (a UW–Madison registered student organization focused on Romanian life and culture), the Department of Slavic Languages and Literature, the European Union Center of Excellence, the Center for the Humanities, the Division of International Studies, and the Distinguished Lectures Committee of the Wisconsin Union Directorate. Generous financial support from the Kemper Knapp Bequest Committee and from the Anonymous Fund of the College of Letters & Science made this visit possible.