Toronto channel to air "Virsky" video

TORONTO - Public broadcast channel WNED will launch its fall season on September 7 by featuring the Virsky Ukrainian National Dance Company in a one-hour made for television production: "Virsky - The Spirit of Ukraine." Speaking from her Toronto KINOFILM studio, producer/director Myroslava Oleksiuk-Baker said: "Of course, we are delighted that the incredible and sustained effort required for a project of this nature is being rewarded by recognition from one of North America's premiere arts-oriented TV broadcasters."

"Virsky" was chosen by WNED to kick off the season during its annual fall membership drive. "We're honored to be added to their list of productions, along with such notables as The Three Tenors, Riverdance, and Les Miserables," Mrs. Oleksiuk-Baker added.

A Canadian/Ukrainian co-production, "Virsky" was filmed in both countries, with stage lighting and sets designed in Toronto.

To enhance the understanding and appreciation of Ukrainian folk dance for non-Ukrainians, the video's creators have masterfully interwoven between the dances, colorful and sensitive visual vignettes that delve into the history, the culture and the spirit of the Ukrainian people.

The New York Times dance critic Anna Kisselgoff picked the Virsky performance at the New York's City Center as one of the top 10 dance events of 1998.

"Virsky - The Spirit of Ukraine" airs on WNED-PBS Channel 17, Cable 18 on Thursday, September 7, at 8 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. and at 1 a.m. on Friday, September 8.

For further information, and a video clip, visit http://www.virsky.com/videoontheweb/, or call Encore Productions at (416)-239-7121.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, August 20, 2000, No. 34, Vol. LXVIII

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