Igor Kotjuh has repeatedly conducted in-depth interviews with writers. In the media, on stage and in writing.
Igor’s interviews are characterised by thorough preparation, empathy and respect towards the interviewee, as well as genuine admiration for their work. But over the years, he has also been on the receiving end of questions from seasoned interviewers.
Here are his questions and answers. Selection.
Igor asks
2016 Sirp / Jaan ‘Luulur’ Malin: It’s painful to read a book that doesn’t raise any questions (READ)
2018 Sirp / Jan Kaus: We are made up of other people (READ)
2018 Sirp / Polina Tšerkassova: Sometimes my work reminds me of the work of a restorer (READ)
2020 Looming / Jelena Skulskaja: If you’re scared, don’t write, but if you do write, don’t let fear hold you back from anything (READ)
2020 Looming / Kätlin Kaldmaa: Europe is my home, and the three most significant corners of my life are Iceland, Greece and Estonia (READ)
2021 Looming / Irina Belobrovtseva: With just half a word, or even without words at all (READ)
2021 Looming / Krista Kaer: As long as literature can surprise (READ)
2022 Looming / Aare Pilv: I’m more of a river sailor (READ)
Igor answers
2016 Vikerraadio / Read and written. Peeter Helme and Igor Kotjuh (40 min LISTEN)
2020 Klassikaraadio / GOGOL. Igor Kotjuh: The identity of Russian-language Estonian literature is still in the process of formation. Interviewed by Kaisa Ling (19 min LISTEN)
2021 Esna Gallery Conversation: Writing like walking on a frontier. Igor Kotjuh and Aija Sakova (59 min WATCH)
2021 Helsinki Art & Plow Festival presents: Hamdam Zakirov, Igor Kotjuh (Estonia). (1 hour 20 min, in Russian WATCH)
2021 Tallinn Russian Museum. Museum Laboratory: Jelena Tšekulajeva and Igor Kotjuh, 27 November 2021. Part I (1 hour, in Russian WATCH) and Part II (48 min WATCH)
2022 Vikerraadio / Language programme. The author of the programme is Piret Kriivan. Igor Kotjuh ‘About Paul-Eerik Rummo and the power of words’ (28 min LISTEN)
2022 Vikerrraadio / Read and written. Hosted by Valner Valme, guest Igor Kotjuh. The past and present of Ukrainian literature (44 min LISTEN)