The Belarusian State Archives and Museum of Literature and Art (BSAMLI) presents a virtual exhibition, «Anatole Astreika – Poet of Belarusian Song»

July 24, 2026, will mark the 115th anniversary of the birth of poet Anatoly Astreika (1911–1978). To mark this anniversary, the Belarusian State Archives and Museum of Literature and Art (hereinafter referred to as BSAMLI) has prepared a virtual exhibition, «Anatole Astreika – Poet of Belarusian Song». It draws on unique documents held in the poet’s personal collection, as well as those of renowned Belarusian composers.

Anatole Astreika was simply a poet, satirist, translator, playwright, and journalist. But among the most gifted creative figures of the last century, he stood out above all as a poet and songwriter. Such renowned Belarusian composers as Alexei Klumov, Lev Abelievich, Dmitry Lukas, Genrikh Wagner, and Isak Lyuban collaborated with him. The virtual exhibition explores this collaboration and also reveals some interesting facts about his biography—his relationship with his fellow countryman, close neighbor, and main rival, the poet and songwriter Adam Rusak; his name change; his failed stint as a literary official; and his struggle over housing—all of which are typically omitted from official biographies but are worth noting.