This course is open to all students of Russian, year 1-4, native speakers of Russian and anyone interested in Russian culture and theater. It is designed to enhance your pronunciation skills and knowledge of Russian Civilization.

In winter we will discuss a play which consists of Russian nursery rhymes. It also incorporates a story of a great children's poet Daniel Kharms in Stalinist Russia. The title of the show is "CHILDREN OF CAIN, or TO KILL A POET."

Each student will be assigned a part depending on his or her proficiency level. I will work on your pronunciation and provide translation and cultural background for every piece you memorize. We will play games, watch videos and discuss drama and children's literature and their role in the culture. We will be dealing with contemporary texts as well as with the old ones as long as they have had a considerable influence on children and adults today. The play incorporates some Russian translations of Dr. Seuss and Mother Goose. Comparing the translations with the originals will help you understand the way two languages work.

Students will be provided with the text of the play and tapes.

If you wish to go on, you can take Russian through Theater 2 in spring. In that course, we will rehearse the parts you had memorized and perform on one of the Theater Department stages in May. We will also make/rent costumes and backdrop, think of our own props and music, and collaborate with theater professionals.