‘Discovery’ 2008 Thailand & Ukraine
Second Leg - Kyiv
Discovery had begun in Chiang Mai, performed to great success to a foreign audience. Now it was time for the 31 cast and crew to travel to Ukraine, the land of their culture and of the rich Ukrainian dance tradition embraced by Verchovyna.
The Aerosvit flight landed in Boryspil, and excitement was high. After a long and tiring journey, some dancers were coming into Ukriane for the first time, others returning once again. For all this was an important part of “Discovery.” We were greeted with Bread and salt by fellow tour participants: Peter Klyczko and Andrew Radion, and I starred at my first glimpse of Ukraine; in shock, in awe. As we once again organised our forty five suitcases, we were introduced to our promoter (later to become close friend and travel companion) Andrij Mytrogan from the Company V-Art. On the Bus through ‘Lyiva Bereza’ and into Kyiv, a strange feeling dawned on me, “I have been here before; this is Ukraine, this is ‘my’ country, my well memorised map” – and I felt overwhelmed.
Kyiv is amazing. It is a magical city full of culture, cobble stone streets and shops, bakeries and restaurants – rushing people in winter attire. It is bustling with life and an eastern charm that suggests that this ancient city holds a secret to its beauty. The Metropolitan city is the heart beat of each kyivian and I was instantly in love with it.
Our First days in Kyiv were spent site seeing. The Pecherska Lavra, a simply breathtaking complex: architecturally and historically, with an awesome sense of peace and calm, a reflection of the spirituality of this nation. We saw St. Sophia and Myhailivskij Sobor, the Zoloti Vorota (Golden Gates) and all of the usual Kyiv sites.
The snow started to fall one morning as if just or us, to adorn the city. I was surprised by the attitude in Kyiv: so positive. I had been warned of the Russian Influence and anti-Ukrainian language vibe. However post Orange Revolution these people are obviously united as proud Ukrainians. An effort was made to speak Ukrainian and all that we met were amazed that we, from Australia could speak and understand Ukrainian. The atmosphere was optimistic, progressive and changing, if not straight away- but for the better.
Concert Morning arrived, as we walked up to the Kyiv Opera House we could not contain our pride and awe seeing two huge Verchovyna “Discovery” posters hanging on the ancient pillars of this theatre. This feeling of awe continued on sage during rehearsal and quickly turned to nerves and fear and our stomachs began to churn: “last week I was in Australia and now I sit here on stage stretching in Ukraine’s most prestigious venue.”
Five minutes to curtain up – girls on stage, boys side stage, the moitor backstage The day after the concert shows a full audience- unaware of what to expect. The fanfare plays and the concert begins. As “We are Australian” played alongside the poem “for Ukraine” tears filled our eyes and an enorumous pride filled our hearts to be both Ukrainian and Australian. Our Guest artist was Nina Matvienko, famous Ukrainain folk singer and her trio ‘Golden Keys.’ As hopak encore ended and we took our bow to a raging audience, accepting our standing ovation . We could not believe that the concert had ended and been a tremendous success. As silence fell once more, we heard congratulatory speeches from Ukraine’s Minister of Culture Mr. Vovkun and famous Ukrainian Mr. Drach. We quickly heard of how the audience reacted to our performance: “At intermission audience members formed clumps congregating in the foyer singing Ukrainian songs, moved by the Ukrainian spirit portrayed to them from across the oceans by these foreign Australians.” We knew that our times in Ukraine would be very special.
The day after the concert for myself felt like a dream. A day of press and media. Together with Artistic Director Melanie Moravski and Tour Manager Natalia Moravski, we set out to the studios of Radio Ukraine on Chryshtchatyk. On Radio we were praised for our success on the night previous. Discussing Verchovyna and the Ukrainian Community in Australia we pondered over our feeling about Ukraine. Hearing praise from talk back listeners made the whole experience surreal, giving us an enormous sense of achievement. The interview ended with hopeful thoughts for future relations between foreign and local Ukrainians. Immediately after the conclusion of our interview we were whipped into another studio unexpected and unplanned. From here we took an interview with “Welcome to Ukraine” magazine. The day was a blur and made us feel very proud to be Ukrainian.
The next day it was off to the studios of Virsky – The Spirit of Ukraine! They are indeed the pinnacle of Ukrainian dance in the world. Our ensemble sat in on technique and studio rehearsals – staring in amazement at the skill of these dancers. However the excitement didn’t end here. Vantuh the artistic director of Virsky had organised for the first time to a visiting group, a full studio performance, including a full orchestra. That next hour will be ingrained into my memory forever. The talent of the dancers was unbelievable – inspiring us. As we gave them a standing ovation tears filled both of our eyes as we clapped each other; we are Ukrainian and we are proud – regardless of the distance, culture and history which separates us. The next day we returned for a personal workshop. Everybod was slightly scared but once the class had begun their was no holding back. Our experiences with Virsky highlighted to us our passion and love for Ukrainian dance. I know that these few precious hours will stay with us all forever.
The CYMivtsi in Kyiv were very hospitable. Meeting them one night at the boys apartment building on Jaroslawij Val was a great experience. We chatted and sang songs along with the guitar doing what we, Ukrainians from Australia, are good at. Our love and knowledge for Ukrainian culture often shocked and inspired the average Ukrainian. Simply singing Uki songs in a little restaurant , Pid Osokorom , caused a couple of full grown men to cry, ashamed and regrettful that they didn't know what we did. Whenever we sang, even a simple Mnohaja Lita it was often met with tears – and it wasn't because we were terrible singers- although dancing is our forte – we are hardly tone deaf!
Our short stay in Kyiv was spectacular, a whirlwind of culture. Even recalling these memories fills me with thought of poppy seed pastries, golden domes, verenyky and good horilka, flaky snow on wedgewood facades, the charming windy uzviz and its old women, the heavy red curtain and cheers which followed a show, thick makeup , our hairspray sitting alongside our chocolate and bon aqua, stray dogs and its complex metro system, freezing hands and the hope of returning here again.
We boarded the train, setting out east to Donetsk – another world completely. Our spirits were higj as we traveled, in coupe carriages for 12 hours. What awaited us after this strange trip with bunk beds and picnic food, where old women sold verenyky through the windows at each station and the toilets were, well – interesting. How would we be welcomed there? - how would our 'discovery' continue?
