Today’s
session of the American Teen Club (at Window on America center Dnipropetrovsk,
Ukraine) started with the introductions
of the regular club members and the newcomers. The regular
club members told the basic facts about the history of the Club and the history
of the WOA Centre.
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 IraAldridge 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. 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 club members
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 – 4 persons.
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