Originating as a reenactment of the Christian Nativity scene, Ukraine puppet shows, known as “vertep,” emerged in the 16th century. Secular elements were later added through satire, traditional characters, and music. Vertep later became a form of protest, surviving the suppression of atheist Soviet occupation, and is still celebrated today.
Tag: protest
Resisting Arrest: Soviet Ballet as Protest from 1955-1980
Synopsis: The Soviet Union of the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s experienced heavy artistic censorship, despite its small strides in liberalism since Stalin’s death. Ballet was an art form woven tightly into Russia’s intra- and inter-cultural presence, and thus strictly monitored by the government. In rare cases, artists channeled ballet asContinue reading
South African Gumboot Dance
OVERVIEW: Disenfranchised miners in South Africa developed the gumboot dance as a way to communicate with each other underground, where the mine bosses had banned oral communication. THE MAGIC’S IN THE BOOTS: The Story of Gumboot Dance and Other Forms of Liberation & Protest Dance in South Africa A Global EngagementsContinue reading
