New online modules highlight the importance of art and theater in the Baltics and Central Europe and the regions’ extensive history of struggle and perseverance.
Maria Ignatieva and Dan Matthews, professors in the Department of Theatre, Film and Media Arts at Ohio State Lima, received a grant from the Center for Slavic, East European and Eurasian Studies (CSEEES) to develop the online modules that would teach the public about the significant role that the arts and cultural institutions have in Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Czech and Slovak history. The new modules are part of a growing series of eight free and self-contained online modules funded by CSEEES for K-12 teachers, students and others interested in learning more about Eastern Europe and Eurasia.
“I created this video with beginning and intermediate students of theater in mind, but even longtime scholars, practitioners, or folks of any age just wanting to learn about a fascinating corner of the theater world may find an interesting nugget or two in there,” Matthews said.
Ignatieva created “Baltic Tenacity: Survival and Preservation of the Baltic Cultures through the Years of the Russian Empire and Soviet Union,” detailing the Soviet occupation of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and the three countries’ fight for independence. The modules provide an introduction to the countries’ major historic events; development of literature, theater and music; and their art and culture in general.
“For centuries, three Baltic Countries – Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania – have been ‘sandwiched’ between the great powers of the time, be it Sweden, Germany, or Russia,” Ignatieva said. “Despite being conquered or occupied, all three countries were able to preserve their languages, cultures, and the wealth of national traditions. It was their cultures, in turn, that gave them strength to fight the oppressors.”
Matthews created the module “Czech and Slovak Theatrical Stage Design of the 20th Century,” a 40-minute YouTube video that explores Czech and Slovak scenography, history and culture. Intrigued by the importance of theater to the Czech and Slovak people and the region’s complex history, Matthews' video helps viewers understand theater and theater design in the two countries.
“Even if you aren’t a student of scenography or particularly interested by it, the video has something to offer you because it touches on that history by exploring the careers of prominent scenographers,” Matthews said. “I might add that I find the imagery of their work marvelous.”
A complete library of the online modules can be viewed on the CSEEES website. Modules are in a variety of formats, are fully accessible, and provide users with additional resources to further their study of a topic and/or country.