UHM MFA Dance Candidate Allan Zablocki & East West Center “In The Folds” Collection
Feb 10, 2023
Ukrainian Folk Costumes Display
MFA Dance candidate Allan Zablocki & East-West Center Gallery
Now – April 16 (Monday – Friday 8am-5pm & Sundays 12-4pm)
Kupala Night and “In The Folds” Collection at East-West Center
Based on the Slavic summer solstice festival of the same name, Kupala Night explores traditional Ukrainian song and dance traditions on the shortest night of the year. Throughout the festivities, partygoers go through a series of tasks in an attempt to change their fate for the better, whether that be to fall in love, gain new fortune, or find eternal happiness. As night falls, the search for the male fern flower begins. Since this flower only blooms on this night it holds great power and those who find it are blessed with eternal happiness and a prosperous life. However, it is not easily found as the fern only blooms for this short period of time and is protected by the evil spirits and beings of the forest. Only those truly worthy and lucky can discover it. Who is worthy enough to change their fate?
Statement from MFA Candidate Allan Zablocki:
“These costumes and thesis production were inspired by the traditions of Ivan Kupala Night in Ukraine. For this production and display, I wanted to showcase as much of the distinct regional embroidery patterns and folklore characters from Ukraine as I could. By doing this, this thesis was able to draw attention to the artistry and culture that make Ukraine the beautiful and strong country it is. I was able to work with Mariana Pysanchyn, a Ukrainian folk costume designer based in Lviv, Ukraine. Even through power outages, sirens, and so many other challenges that she faced due to the war, Mariana was able to design, construct, and send these beautiful dresses to the opposite side of the globe. These dresses alone are just a small example of the strength and resilience the Ukrainian people hold. I designed the masks and headpieces on display based on folklore stories and traditional practices that were related to the Summer Solstice festival my thesis pertains too. These costumes are only a small portion of the larger variety that will be seen during my thesis performance. Slava Ukraini.”
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