BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary Episode: Class Notes: Jonathan Bank “Garside’s Career”
Release Date: March 13, 2025

Note: This summary is based on the provided transcript of an episode featuring Verlana Koch discussing her work on "The Magic of Light" at La Mama.

Introduction to "The Magic of Light"

In this enlightening episode of BroadwayRadio's Clash Notes, host Lauren Klash Snyder engages in a deep conversation with Verlana Koch, the visionary director behind the production "The Magic of Light" currently playing at La Mama. The discussion delves into Koch's inspiration, creative process, and the collaborative environment fostered within her team at Yara Arts Group.

Lauren Klash Snyder (Host):
"The Magic of Light, you're not just the director, you're the conceiver and the artistic vision behind interweaving poetry, language, music to illustrate the cultural and spiritual awakening of an artist in Ukraine in the 1870s." [00:02]

Inspiration Behind the Story

Koch shares the serendipitous discovery that ignited her passion for the project. A visit to a museum in Parkview in 2019 introduced her to the extraordinary pencil drawings of Porfiry Martinovich, an obscure Ukrainian artist from the 1870s. This encounter led her to uncover Martinovich's pioneering work in projections during early Ukrainian epic concerts, paralleling the projection techniques her company, Yara Arts Group, has employed since the 1990s.

Verlana Koch (Director):
"I couldn't believe it was a pencil drawing... Porfiry Martinovich did projections during the first epic concert of Ukrainian epics internationally. I was like, what? 150 years ago, somebody was doing projections." [00:40]

Collaborative Creation Process

Koch emphasizes the collaborative nature of her projects, highlighting the collective effort of her team members. Working alongside Julian Catasty, a bandura player with deep historical knowledge, and Tom Lee, a puppeteer, Koch illustrates how diverse talents converge to bring a project to life. She underscores the importance of teamwork in developing the narrative and artistic elements of their productions.

Verlana Koch:
"It isn't like I made all of it myself. We always work as a team. We make it all together." [02:15]

The Significance of the Bandura

A substantial portion of the discussion centers around the bandura, a traditional Ukrainian string instrument pivotal to their production. Koch explains its historical role in accompanying Ukrainian epics and its evolution over the centuries.

Verlana Koch:
"Bandura is a traditional Ukrainian instrument... it was originally used to accompany epics in Ukraine, sort of. Certainly at that time in the 19th century, it was used only exclusively for accompanying epics." [03:41]

Exploring Ukrainian Epic Songs

Koch delves into the rich tradition of Ukrainian epic songs, performed by blind bards who traversed villages sharing historical tales and moral stories. She discusses how these narratives, often centered around significant events like the Turkish wars, serve as the backbone for their current production.

Verlana Koch:
"The epic songs of Ukraine... telling long tales about, you know, the Turkish wars or about... As they escaped from the fortress called Azov." [04:44]

Translation and Preservation of Poetry

A notable aspect of Koch's work is the translation of Ukrainian poetry, a task she undertakes with Wanda Phipps. Koch recounts their journey from encountering poor translations to developing their nuanced approach that preserves the poetic essence.

Verlana Koch:
"We never set out to be translators... We just wanted to have them in the show. And then I thought, oh, my God. And it wasn't that they were incorrect. It just wasn't poetry the way we understand it in English." [07:09]

Founding Yara Arts Group and La Mama Residency

Koch reflects on her long-standing relationship with La Mama and the influence of Ellen Stewart, the founding artistic director. Their spontaneous collaboration led to the inception of "Light from the East," coinciding with Shochenko Day, a pivotal moment that solidified their partnership and artistic direction.

Verlana Koch:
"We wound up having to translate Shochenko. And I thought... the best of the best, you know, always said you just have to wait for the door to open at the right moment. And that was it." [11:12]

Embracing Serendipity in the Arts

The conversation highlights the role of chance encounters and moments of inspiration in Koch's creative journey. She speaks to the unpredictability of artistic endeavors and the importance of being prepared to seize opportunities when they arise.

Verlana Koch:
"You've been preparing for it all your life, I guess." [12:24]

Conclusion

Lauren Klash Snyder wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude for Koch's insights and the extraordinary work she and her team contribute to the Broadway scene. Koch's dedication to preserving and reimagining Ukrainian artistic traditions through innovative storytelling and collaboration stands as a testament to the vibrant, ever-evolving landscape of contemporary theater.

Lauren Klash Snyder:
"Thank you so much for your insight and sharing a little bit about the extraordinariness that you create. I'm so grateful." [12:44]

Notable Quotes:

• Verlana Koch:
  "Bandura is a traditional Ukrainian instrument... it was originally used to accompany epics in Ukraine." [03:41]

• Verlana Koch:
  "We always work as a team. We make it all together." [02:15]

• Lauren Klash Snyder:
  "The Magic of Light, you're not just the director, you're the conceiver and the artistic vision behind interweaving poetry, language, music..." [00:02]

This episode offers a profound look into the intersection of history, music, and collaborative artistry, showcasing how Verlana Koch and her team breathe new life into traditional Ukrainian narratives through innovative theater productions.