Latest news with #AntonChekhov
Otago Daily Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
U3A heads into spring
Stuart Young, emeritus professor of theatre studies at the University of Otago, delivers a lecture in his U3A Dunedin Winter Series course "Laughter Through Tears", focusing on the plays of Anton Chekhov. PHOTO: SUPPLIED U3A Dunedin is about to embark on a new phase in its busy programme of short courses for members of the region's "third age" population for this year. Having recently completed its popular winter series of courses, the organisation, which offers classes for retired and semi-retired people delivered by experts, is preparing for its upcoming spring series, set to start on August 12. U3A Dunedin board chairwoman Dr Elizabeth Wilson said the organisation was going from strength-to-strength, with an impressive local membership of 1001 people enjoying its stimulating six-week courses, many delivered by university staff. "It is a wonderful, and encouraging, affirmation that U3A Dunedin is meeting the interests of its members, present and future," she said. U3A Dunedin had celebrated its 30th anniversary last year, having offered more than 500 courses since it was established, Dr Wilson said. "Our members can take part in up to three courses in each block, and there are lectures once a week for each course over six weeks," she said. "We try to offer a broad range of topics, including the arts, science, literature and politics, so there is something of interest to everyone." Members enjoyed the opportunity for social interaction and for questions and discussion that contributed to making the courses interactive events. Entries for the spring series, which will run from August 12-September 19, are open now and close on July 24. There will be six courses covering a range of topics, such as the importance of sport to community cohesion, the non-surgical management of disease, alternatives to a lifestyle of acquisition, an examination of the novel Under the Volcano by Malcolm Lowry, people on the move throughout history and exploring the fine arts, architecture, crafts, film and popular culture. Alongside the lecture series, U3A Dunedin also has 25 separate interest groups for members to take part in. Existing groups include wine appreciation, biking, film, genealogy, current affairs, photography, singing, walking, poetry, book sharing and opera. There is no waiting list to join U3A Dunedin, and new members are welcomed. The annual membership subscription costs $40. For more information about membership, email members@ and for general information, visit the website
New York Times
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
At Salzburg, a Modern Opera About Timeless Dreams and Realities
On a hot, drizzly afternoon in late June, a rehearsal of Peter Eotvos's 'Three Sisters,' one of the four new opera productions at this summer's Salzburg Festival, erupted in dainty tinkling. The opera's cast members sat in the middle of a rehearsal room and tapped spoons against empty teacups. The conductor Maxime Pascal, flanked by two pianos, nodded approvingly at the sounds of clinking, clattering and rattling. On the large copy of the score that lay in front of him, each tap was precisely notated, and there was a visual key illustrating different techniques: tapping with the tip or the stem of a teaspoon, continuous stirring, and setting a spoon down on a saucer. 'Peter wrote this moment because it's a bit boring,' Pascal explained with a slight chuckle during a break in the rehearsal. 'The three sisters are very bored, and there is this kind of melancholy.' Based on Anton Chekhov's 1900 play about siblings in a Russian provincial town who dream of a better, more fulfilling life in Moscow, the opera is unconventional in ways that are, by turns, playful and daring. The four main female characters — Olga, Masha and Irina as well as their sister-in-law, Natasha — are performed by countertenors, the highest male voice type. In addition to china and cutlery, the score calls for two musical groups: a pit band (referred to as the ensemble) of 18 instruments that are identified with specific characters, and a 50-piece orchestra that plays from elsewhere in the theater. (For the Salzburg performances, the orchestra will play from a large hidden balcony that is behind and above the rows of seating in the Felsenreitschule, a cavernous indoor theater that is carved into a cliff.) Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Irish Independent
11-07-2025
- Climate
- Irish Independent
The Irish Independent's View: Make the most of this welcome weather – we don't see it too often
But now we can actually touch and even feel it. Days like these should come with a national declaration to stop work and head for the beach, bar or wherever. Judicious idleness is the only effective antidote to the plague of busyness which can be too often found on our island. It has long been recognised that sunlight is the best disinfectant, so there is nothing for it but to lash on the factor-50 and dive in. People do not notice if it is winter or summer when they are happy, Anton Chekhov wrote. The Russian literary great may be right. There is no denying that there are more smiles to be seen on people's faces these cloudless days than you will find on a wet afternoon in darkest November. So for now, let us savour and wallow in our mini-heatwave. We owe it to ourselves to let go of the stress and embrace the high-pressure zone that has settled over us. Inuit people are reputed to have dozens of words for snow, and we have almost as many for our own, more common, form of precipitation. Between the drizzle, scattered showers, mist, soft days and hard rain there are plenty of types of weather to put a dampener on most of the year. When it comes to basking in scorching temperatures, we are all too often left in the shade. A time to chill can be therapeutic. You may be of a mind with American writer Ambrose Bierce, who joked: 'An abstainer – a weak person who yields to the temptation of denying himself a pleasure.' Stay safe, but take the time to grab every precious moment It's not about losing the run of ourselves, though. The Road Safety Authority and Water Safety Ireland have cautioned people to take due care. The trick is to stay safe, but also take the time to grab every precious moment. ADVERTISEMENT French author Albert Camus saw the value of locking away the warmth in anticipation of inevitable rainy days. 'In the depths of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer,' he wrote. Getting in our 10,000 steps and counting the calories in whatever we eat or drink can wait. Taking it easy when the sky is radiant seems like the obvious thing to do. As they say, laziness is just the habit of resting before you get tired. Buddhist philosopher Nhat Hanh suggested stripping everything back to its simplest form. 'Wherever we are, any time, we have the capacity to enjoy the sunshine, the presence of each other. We don't have to travel anywhere else to do so,' he said. And when the sun shines on Ireland, where else would you wish to be? So, whatever form of blue-sky thinking you indulge in, be sure to enjoy it this weekend.
Observer
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Observer
Oman showcases cultural heritage at Chechen University
MOSCOW: A special corner dedicated to Omani publications was inaugurated at the Chechen State Pedagogical University, as part of ongoing cultural cooperation between Oman's National Museum and the university. The event also marked the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation. The Omani Publications Corner aims to empower non-Arabic-speaking students specialising in Omani studies, providing them with rich knowledge of Oman's cultural and intellectual heritage. This initiative seeks to build bridges of understanding and strengthen academic and research cooperation between the two friendly nations. The collection features diverse cultural and educational books covering literature, language, history, science, media, arts, Islamic studies, geography and the environment. In parallel, the National Museum, through its Learning Center, organised a cultural programme in Muscat with the participation of 180 students from schools in the governorate. The programme aimed to introduce Omani students to Russian literature, showcasing literary and artistic works that highlight the depth of Russian language and culture, broadening students' cultural and intellectual horizons. Highlights included artistic performances and short plays inspired by the works of Anton Chekhov, one of the world's most celebrated playwrights whose works have been translated into over 100 languages. Students also enjoyed a special poetry and music performance titled 'Yesenin's Poetry: A Message from the Russian World to All Humanity,' honouring the poet Sergei Yesenin and emphasising universal human values that continue to resonate globally. Additionally, specialised workshops under the theme 'The Heritage of Our Ancestors' introduced traditional Russian handicrafts and arts, including the making of 'Matrushka' dolls - an iconic symbol of Russia - and carpets featuring Chechen motifs. An exhibition titled 'Rainbow of Crafts' showcased over 50 pieces of decorative and applied art, celebrating the rich cultural and artistic diversity of the Russian Federation. — ONA
Muscat Daily
25-06-2025
- General
- Muscat Daily
Omani publications corner inaugurated in Chechnya to mark 40 years of Oman-Russia ties
Russia – As part of an ongoing cultural collaboration between the National Museum of Oman and Chechen State Pedagogical University, a dedicated Omani Publications Corner has been inaugurated at the University in Grozny, the capital of the Chechen Republic. The initiative coincides with the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Sultanate of Oman and the Russian Federation. The corner is intended to support students of Arab studies, offering access to a range of academic resources focused on Oman's cultural and intellectual heritage. According to the organisers, the effort is aimed at deepening mutual understanding between the two countries and fostering closer academic and research cooperation. 'The corner features a diverse collection of books and cultural and educational publications in literature, history, sciences, media, arts, Islamic studies, geography, and the environment,' the National Museum said. In parallel with the launch, a cultural programme was held in Muscat from June 18 to 19, organised by the museum's Learning Centre. It brought together 180 students from schools across the Muscat Governorate and focused on introducing young Omanis to Russian literature and culture. The programme featured artistic performances and short plays inspired by the works of Anton Chekhov, one of Russia's most influential literary figures. It also included a poetry and music segment titled 'Yesenin's Poetry as a Message from the Russian World to All Humanity' , dedicated to poet Sergei Yesenin. The performance centred on universal values present in Yesenin's work. Workshops under the theme 'Heritage of Ancestors' introduced students to traditional crafts such as the making of Matryoshka dolls and Chechen patterned carpets, providing insights into the ethnography and folk art traditions of the Chechen Republic. An exhibition of applied arts titled ' The Rainbow of Crafts' showcased over 50 decorative pieces that reflected the cultural diversity of the Russian Federation. The programme concluded with a symposium for the Russian-speaking community in Oman, addressing language preservation for children growing up in bilingual environments. Discussions focused on effective methods for maintaining fluency in Russian within Russian-Arab families. Founded in 1980, Chechen State Pedagogical University is considered one of the leading teacher training institutions in Russia. It comprises two institutes and five faculties, with more than 11,000 students enrolled across undergraduate, master's, and postgraduate programmes. The university maintains active ties with institutions in the Gulf and other regions, with a focus on strengthening international cooperation.
