Lesya Ukrainka, a towering figure in Ukrainian literature, was born on February 25th, 1871. Her legacy as a poet, playwright, and cultural activist continues to inspire Ukrainians and global audiences alike. To honor her birthday, UNWLA branches can organize a variety of events and initiatives that celebrate her life and work while engaging their local communities. Below are collected ideas and recommendations based on past celebrations and new suggestions.
Inspiration from Past Celebrations
In 2022, Ukrainian singer and bandura player Maryna Krut released a music video featuring a modern rendition of the song “Lesya,” based on Lesya Ukrainka’s poem “I Hope Without a Hope,.“
“Journeys with Lesya” Video: Highlighted lesser-known facts about her life and the places she visited.
UNWLA branch 125 (New York) in 2021 created a short film about Lesia Ukrainka Lily Of the Valley
Ukrainians in India created a video play in Hindi “the Forest Song” based on the timeless drama written by Lesya Ukrainka
For more inspiration from the past years please visit UWC website or UNWLA article Celebrating Lesia Ukrainka
Ideas for UNWLA Branches
Literary Activities
- Literary Discussions: Host a discussion on Lesya Ukrainka’s works and their relevance today. Invite Ukrainian literary experts and university professors.
- Poetry Readings: Organize a community event where participants read her poetry in Ukrainian and English.
- Translation Contest: Invite middle and high school students to translate her poetry into English, with prizes for the best work.
Films and Lectures
- Documentary Screenings: Show documentaries or short films about Lesya Ukrainka’s life, followed by discussions. Additional research is needed to identify available materials.
- Expert Lectures: Invite Ukrainian scholars or authors to present on her impact on Ukrainian and global literature. These can be held online or in person.
Creative Initiatives
- Art Projects: Encourage students to create illustrations inspired by her poetry or dramatic works.
- Interactive Quests: Design a scavenger hunt or interactive game exploring her life and travels, suitable for Ukrainian school students.
- Social Media Campaign: Launch a hashtag campaign, e.g., #LesyaUkrainka2025, encouraging people to share their favorite quotes or reflections on her legacy.
Highlighting HURI’s Efforts
The Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute (HURI) is publishing a subseries of Lesya Ukrainka’s works, which they prioritize highly. Currently:
- Published: “Cassandra” (https://books.huri.harvard.edu/books/cassandra).
- In Preparation: Translations of “The Forest Song,” and the plays “Boiarynia” and “The Blue Rose.”
UNWLA can support this initiative by helping promote the subseries by spreading awareness about these publications.
Book Purchase and Donation Initiative
- Book Purchases: Purchase copies of Cassandra (currently available) to donate to public libraries, university libraries, local colleges, middle/high schools, and bookstores. Accompany these donations with events that highlight the educational value of Lesya Ukrainka’s works.
Recommendations for Implementation
- Collaborate Locally: Partner with local schools, libraries, or cultural organizations to amplify your event’s reach.
- Leverage Technology: Use online platforms like Zoom or YouTube to host events and reach a broader audience.
- Promote Widely: Utilize social media, UNWLA newsletter, and community boards to inform your audience about planned activities.
- Document Events: Record and share highlights from your celebrations to inspire other branches and community members.
Let us honor Lesya Ukrainka by celebrating her enduring legacy through these creative and meaningful initiatives.
