We'll be exploring "The Forest Song" by Lesia Ukrainka, a captivating dramatic fairy tale and poetic play that stands as the prototype of Ukrainian fantasy. 

This enchanting work tells the tragic love story between the forest nymph Mavka and the mortal young man Lukash against the backdrop of mystical Ukrainian folklore. Written by Lesia Ukrainka, one of Ukraine's most prominent authors and pioneering feminist icons.

Who is Lesia Ukrainka?

Ukrainka pioneered the dramatic poem genre in Ukrainian literature and challenged imperial restrictions. Her powerful works placed Ukrainian culture in dialogue with world literature. Strong female protagonists she created defied patriarchal norms and made Lesia among the first to rewrite European classics from a perspective of women.

Why the Forest Song?

This masterwork represents the prototype of Ukrainian fantasy literature, weaving ancient Slavic mythology with universal themes of love, sacrifice and the eternal conflict between civilization and nature. The play elevates folkloric traditions, transforming figures like Mavka from traditional folklore into powerful symbols of spiritual resilience and cultural identity.

We highly recommend reading the play beforehand, since it's truly mesmerising with its blend of mythology and human emotion, but you're welcome to join even if you've just started it.

Some of the topics we'll explore:

▪️ the clash between the natural and human worlds

▪️ love transcending boundaries between different realms

▪️ Ukrainian mythology and folklore traditions

▪️ feminist themes and the portrayal of strong female characters

▪️ sacrifice, betrayal and the cost of choice

📍 Where: @culturalworkers_studio (Am Flutgraben 3, 12435 Berlin)

Participation is donation-based.