BELARUSIAN DAY in Prague
took place on December 8th, 2008. It was initiated by the cultural foundation of the Czech ex-president, Vaclav Havel.
The day consisted of the panel discussion ”Theater in Unfreedom,” and the performance ”Generation Jeans” by Mikalai Khalezin, the head of Belarus’ Free Theater.
”Generation Jeans” was essentially a monologue by Mr. Khalezin as the only actor. Since it was based on real facts, the public was very appreciative and the atmosphere was warm. More than 50 people came to the little Monmartre Gallery to watch the Free Theater., including the head of US diplomatic mission in Belarus, Jonathan Moore, the former Czech ambassador to Belarus Vladimir Ruml, and senator Jan Ruml, member of the Czech association ”Civic Belarus.”
A man wearing jeans, symbolizing for him freedom, began his confession recalling his rejection of the Soviet unfreedom and getting his first pair of jeans on black market in 1970, and finished in the 21st century, in the Akrestin detention facility, where he felt uncomfortable, since, ”one can’t wear jeans in jail.”
The narration was supplemented by the text in English, displayed on the wall with a video projector.
Participants of the preceding panel discussion included from the Belarusian side Mr. Khalezin, Free Theater’s stage director Uladzimir Shcherban, and the feature’s producer Natalla Kalada. The Czechs were represented by Ondrej Hrab, the artistic director of Prague’s Archa Theater, and senator Jan Ruml. They recalled the experience of Czech underground theaters during the Communist regime, about performances in private apartments and its influence on the modern Czech theater.
Natalla Kalada explained the reason why Russian is the language of their plays. According to her, Russian is being used in order to change the mentality of the Russian-speaking population. The Belarusian-speaking people need no explanations; they were ready to change the regime 14 years ago.
Members of the Free Thater emphasized that they are forced to work under very difficult conditions. Often they are being fired from their regular jobs and often had to perform during birthday parties and weddings. Yet, according to Mr. Khalezin, sometimes over 2000 people are waiting for their turn to watch a play due to insufficient space in private appartments.
This article appeared in
Belarusian Review, Vol. 20, No. 4
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