February 28

Born in 1533 in the Château de Montaigne, Michel de Montaigne was the son of a wealthy wine merchant and later served as a magistrate in Bordeaux. He retired to his family estate in 1571 to devote himself to writing his landmark work, Essais, which blended personal reflection with classical knowledge. Montaigne’s essays introduced a new form of inquiry, questioning established norms and exploring subjectivity. His skeptical approach influenced thinkers such as Descartes and Shakespeare. He returned to public office as mayor of Bordeaux before his death in 1592. Montaigne’s legacy endures in modern philosophy and literature.

Vyacheslav Ivanov was a central figure in the Russian Symbolist movement born in 1866. He gained acclaim for his innovative poetry that delved into themes of spirituality, myth, and philosophy. As a dramatist, he wrote works such as The Death of a King that blended rich symbolism with theatrical innovation. His literary salons in St. Petersburg were gathering points for leading artists and thinkers. After the Russian Revolution, he emigrated to Italy and continued his literary and critical pursuits. Ivanov's fusion of mysticism and art influenced generations of writers and theatre practitioners.

Ben Hecht was born in 1894 and began his career as a journalist in Chicago before moving to New York theater. He wrote over 40 plays and collaborated on more than 70 films, including classics like Scarface and Notorious. Known for his sharp wit and versatility, Hecht won the first Academy Award for Original Story for Underworld in 1927. He also co-founded the magazine The New Yorker and was active in political and humanitarian causes. His memoirs and essays reveal his influential role in shaping American drama and cinema. Hecht's legacy endures through his groundbreaking storytelling and contributions to early Hollywood.

Stephen Spender emerged from the Oxford literary circle and published his first poetry collection at age 19. He was closely linked to poets W.H. Auden and Christopher Isherwood, exploring themes of social injustice and political commitment. His novels, including The Temple, delved into personal and historical narratives. Spender also wrote influential essays on culture and education, and he served as an editor for Horizon magazine. During World War II, he worked for the BBC and Ministry of Information. His memoirs and diaries offer rich insights into 20th-century literary life. Spender died in 1995 after a distinguished career.

Ketti Frings adapted Thomas Wolfe's novel into the Broadway play Look Homeward, Angel, earning a Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1958. Before her theatrical success, she wrote screenplays for films such as Summer Stock (1950) and Magnificent Obsession (1954). Frings began as a magazine writer and moved into cinema during Hollywood's Golden Age. Her sharp dialogue and character-focused narratives made her a sought-after collaborator. She later wrote novels and teleplays, influencing both stage and screen writing. Frings's career bridged literature and film until her death in 1981.

Svetlana Alliluyeva authored several autobiographical works, including the internationally acclaimed Twenty Letters to a Friend. Born in Moscow, she defected to the United States in 1967, shedding light on life within the Soviet elite. Her writings offered rare insights into her father’s regime and her personal journey toward independence. She married and divorced multiple times, raising her children in various countries before returning to the USSR briefly. Alliluyeva's candid memoirs remain significant for their historical perspective and human depth.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in County Tyrone, John Montague's poetry reflects rural Irish life. He taught at the University of New Hampshire and later at University College Dublin. Montague's collections, such as Poems and The Rough Field, earned him critical acclaim. His work explores themes of identity, history, and the natural world with vivid imagery. Montague received numerous awards, including the Irish Times Poetry Now Award, solidifying his legacy.

Alice Brock was born in 1941 and became an influential figure in the American counterculture movement. She is widely recognized as the muse behind Arlo Guthrie's 1967 song 'Alice's Restaurant.' Brock ran a popular restaurant in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, where she served as artist-in-residence. Her creative pursuits include visual art, writing, and community-building through the arts. She authored books reflecting on her experiences in the 1960s counterculture and culinary world. Up until her death in 2024, Brock remained active in artistic projects and inspired generations with her story.

Born in 1948, Mike Figgis began his career in the music industry before moving into filmmaking. He gained international acclaim with the 1995 film 'Leaving Las Vegas,' which earned Nicolas Cage an Academy Award. Figgis often composes his own film scores and experiments with improvisational techniques in his work. His innovative use of digital video in 'Timecode' showcased his interest in live multi-camera storytelling. In addition to directing, he has written several screenplays and contributed to theater and music projects. Figgis continues to explore new forms of cinematic expression and multimedia art.

Seth Rudetsky developed an encyclopedic knowledge of musical theater, which led him to host SiriusXM's "On Broadway". He has written memoirs and novels, including "The Escape Artist" and "Broadway Nights". As a Broadway performer, he starred in productions like "Disaster!" which he co-wrote. His radio show features interviews with top Broadway stars and insiders. Rudetsky is also a regular contributor to Broadway.com and has appeared on television programs as a musical theater expert.

Handler wrote and narrated the acclaimed "A Series of Unfortunate Events" under the pseudonym Lemony Snicket, selling millions of copies worldwide. He has penned other novels for adults and children, exploring dark humor and gothic themes. As a musician, he performs with his ensemble The Magnetic Fields and incorporates music into his writing. Handler co-wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation of "A Series of Unfortunate Events" and served as an executive producer. His work has been recognized for its witty style and creative storytelling, appealing to readers of all ages.

Ville Haapasalo is a Finnish actor and screenwriter who rose to fame in Russian cinema. He made his debut starring in the popular Russian film The Cuckoo, earning critical acclaim. Haapasalo has showcased his range in comedies, dramas, and television series across Europe. As a screenwriter, he has contributed to original film and TV scripts, highlighting Nordic and Slavic themes. His charismatic performances bridge cultural gaps between Finnish and Russian audiences. Haapasalo continues to act in international co-productions and writes for both screen and stage. He is recognized for his versatile talent and cross-border artistic collaborations.