NEW YORK – On June 4, students of the Self-Reliance School of Ukrainian Studies in New York City had the unique chance to see a special performance of “Dark Night Bright Stars,” a play created by the Yara Arts Group about the friendship between the great Ukrainian poet and artist Taras Shevchenko and the acclaimed African American actor Ira Aldridge.
The play explores deep and enduring questions about intercultural communication, freedom and oppression, home and art. How do individuals who don’t speak the same language find ways to communicate? How do our most essential experiences and values connect us through space and time?
Talia Danysh, the school’s vice-principal, commented about the experience: “The fact that no one stirred for the entire length of the performance is a testament to the effectiveness of this brilliant play in capturing the student audience. It was not only educational, but also engaging and different from how Taras Shevchenko is usually portrayed. Students talked about the play for many hours, and I believe they felt a closeness to this Ukrainian hero because they witnessed him as an everyday man struggling for human rights and freedom.”
Ms. Danysh continued: “The biggest benefit and advantage for our students was the experience of seeing this iconic poet coming to life in the flesh. It makes all the history they read and facts they learn about Taras Shevchenko so meaningful by providing a realistic, understandable context. The play makes this revered figure approachable and humane. The chance encounter with Ira Aldridge presents a very intriguing story, but more importantly it provides a realistic platform from which to gain insights into the anguish Taras Shevchenko is experiencing. It showcases both men’s genius as well as their doubts and fears in an understated yet powerful manner. The haunting bandura accompaniment emphasizes the roller coaster of emotions and leaves the audience in an awesome trance.”
The students echoed Ms. Danysh’s remarks about the play, especially in its depiction of the friendship between Shevchenko and Aldridge.
Student Kalyna Chase, 12, said: “Their friendship was special because Shevchenko was a Ukrainian serf and Aldridge was a free African American. Even though they didn’t speak the same language, and were from different backgrounds, they grew to become friends. Art brought them together.”
Zuli Hausler-Lew, 14, agreed: “Art is universal. It can be interpreted differently, and it can explore different perspectives, but it also connects people. Through a few words and art, Shevchenko and Aldridge were able to communicate what was important to them. The actors communicated that through the repetition of key words: Home. Mother. Beautiful.”
The students also noted how the play shaped their understanding of the historical past, and specifically of their cultural heritage.
Slava Hausler-Lew, 11, said: “I am proud that this friendship is part of my history. This is a great play for Ukrainians who think they know about Shevchenko because they will learn something new. Those who don’t know about our history will get a really interesting perspective into our culture, our language, and our poetry.”
Zuli added: “Many of us, especially immigrant groups in New York, can relate to the idea of missing home. Shevchenko missed his home but he still knew he was Ukrainian. Aldridge missed his home, too.”
Kalyna noted: “Watching the play made me feel like I was there with them, and that I knew Shevchenko and Aldridge, and watched them interact. I know who Taras Shevchenko is because he’s an important person in Ukrainian history. We know his story through books and his poems and paintings, but he came alive in front of our eyes. Ukrainians have our own rich history, and this play represents that living history.”