«Ira Aldridge - Kobzar’s American Friend», session - 5

The Window on America center Dnipropetrovsk (Ukraine) was visited by a big group of senior students from local school # 23 (majoring in English study).
An informative slide show «Kobzar’s American Friend» was presented to the group. A set of quiz-type questions reminded the students the basic facts of Shevchenko’s biography with the focus on his talent of a portrait painter. This allowed to introduce to the students the personality of Ira Aldridge who ordered a portrait by Taras Shevchenko.
 

Ira Aldridge gained fame in the 19th century as one of the most prominent African-American Shakespearian actors and the first American actor to perform in Russia.
Unable to obtain major roles in the United States because of his race, he was forced to emigrate to further his acting career. In 1858 Aldridge made a tour of Russia and was introduced to Shevchenko in St. Petersburg. The memoirs of the witnesses informed the audience about the friendly atmosphere set in Shevchenko’s studio during Aldridge’s posing sessions. 
 
The painting by L. Picard illustrated the moment of friendly communication between two talented people with sad background of slavery and serfdom.
The unknown fact of friendship between the American and Ukrainian geniuses was a surprise to the audience. The students enriched their vocabulary with new art terms, examined and described Shevchenko’s paintings and appreciated the art talent of the iconic Ukrainian poet.
Number of participants – 45 persons (43 + 2 English teachers).