BroadwayRadio Episode Summary
Title: Class Notes: Verlana Koch “The Magic of Light”
Host: Lauren Klash Schneider
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Podcast: BroadwayRadio
Description: Broadway's Premier Podcasts
Introduction to Verlana Koch and "The Magic of Light"
The episode opens with host Lauren Klash Schneider introducing Verlana Koch, the director and creative force behind the theatrical production The Magic of Light, currently playing at La MaMa. Lauren highlights Verlana's multifaceted role as both director and conceiver, emphasizing the production's intricate blend of poetry, language, and music that portrays the cultural and spiritual awakening of a Ukrainian artist in the 1870s.
Inspiration Behind "The Magic of Light"
Verlana shares the genesis of The Magic of Light, revealing that her inspiration struck during a visit to a museum in Kharkiv in 2019. She encountered stunning pencil drawings by Porfiry Martinovich, an artist she was previously unaware of. This discovery sparked her curiosity upon learning that Martinovich had engaged in early projection techniques during Ukrainian epic concerts, an area her company, Yara Arts Group, has explored since the 1990s.
Verlana Koch [00:40]: “I was at a museum in Kharku in 2019... One of them just took my breath away... Porfiry Martinovich did projections during the first epic concert of Ukrainian epics internationally.”
Verlana explains that her projects often begin with a spark of interest in a largely unexplored subject, leading to extensive research and collaborative storytelling. For The Magic of Light, she collaborated with Julian Catasty, a bandura player with deep historical knowledge, and Tom Lee, a puppeteer, illustrating the collective effort behind the production.
Verlana Koch [03:27]: “It isn't like I made all of it myself. We always work as a team... We made it together.”
The Role of the Bandura in Ukrainian Culture
Lauren inquires about the bandura, prompting Verlana to delve into its significance. She describes the bandura as a traditional Ukrainian string instrument, akin to a lute or harp, with 30 to 60 strings, making it complex to play. Historically, it accompanied epic narrations in the 19th century, a role it has since evolved from.
Verlana Koch [03:41]: “Bandura is a traditional Ukrainian instrument... It was originally used to accompany epics in Ukraine.”
The Epic Songs of Ukrainian Blind Bards
The conversation shifts to the epic songs performed by Ukrainian blind bards, which form a core element of The Magic of Light. Verlana explains that these bards, often blind either by birth or as a result of conflict, traversed villages performing historical, moralistic, and humorous tales. The specific narrative in the production centers on three brothers escaping from the fortress of Azov.
Verlana Koch [04:44]: “There were blind-eyed bards that walk from village to village... telling long tales about the Turkish wars... about three brothers as they escaped from the fortress called Azov.”
Lauren probes further into the significance of the bards' blindness. Verlana draws parallels to historical figures like Homer, noting that blindness was common among epic singers as it allowed them to focus on their oral storytelling roles. Additionally, being part of a guild provided these artists with protection and a sense of community.
Verlana Koch [05:56]: “All the great epics, singers very often were blind because this was a job they could do... They had laws and just like other guilds, medieval guilds, that sort of protected them.”
Collaboration and Translation Efforts
The discussion moves to Verlana's collaborative work with Wanda Phipps on translations, a partnership that has secured three New York State Council on the Arts grants. Verlana recounts the origins of this collaboration, which began over three decades ago when she encountered poor translations of Ukrainian poetry that failed to capture its poetic essence. This realization led her and Wanda to strive for more authentic and poetic translations.
Verlana Koch [07:09]: “We never set out to be translators. We just wanted to... the translations were just horrific... Wanda was my dramaturg, and she turned around to me and said, we could do much better.”
Verlana emphasizes the importance of poetry in her work, often placing a poem at the heart of her productions. This dedication to preserving the lyrical quality of the original texts underscores the artistic integrity of her projects.
Verlana Koch [08:48]: “Very often at the very beginning of a piece... it's just like, usually there's a poem at the core... at the center.”
The Genesis of the Project at La MaMa
Verlana shares a serendipitous encounter with Ellen Stewart, the founding artistic director of La MaMa Theatre. While discussing potential projects, Verlana spontaneously expressed a desire to work on Ukrainian poetry, leading to the birth of The Magic of Light. The timing coincided with Shochenko Day, a significant event that further connected the production to Ukrainian cultural heritage.
Verlana Koch [09:19]: “I said, Ukrainian poetry...I thought, light from the East. It was the first thing that came into my mind... And she said, oh, terrific. How about March 9th?”
This fortuitous alignment not only facilitated the production's debut but also affirmed Verlana's belief in being prepared for unexpected opportunities.
Verlana Koch [12:15]: “The best of the best... you just have to wait for the door to open at the right moment.”
Insights and Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Verlana Koch highlights the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of her work, blending historical research, music, translation, and visual art to create immersive theatrical experiences. Her passion for Ukrainian culture and dedication to authentic storytelling resonate as she reflects on her journey and the organic development of her projects.
Verlana Koch [12:44]: “It was a pleasure.”
Lauren expresses gratitude for Verlana's insights and the extraordinary artistic environment she fosters among her colleagues, concluding the episode on a note of appreciation for The Magic of Light and its cultural significance.
Notable Quotes
- Verlana Koch [00:40]: “I was at a museum in Kharku in 2019... One of them just took my breath away... Porfiry Martinovich did projections during the first epic concert of Ukrainian epics internationally.”
- Verlana Koch [03:27]: “It isn't like I made all of it myself. We always work as a team... We made it together.”
- Verlana Koch [07:09]: “We never set out to be translators. We just wanted to... the translations were just horrific... Wanda was my dramaturg, and she turned around to me and said, we could do much better.”
- Verlana Koch [12:15]: “The best of the best... you just have to wait for the door to open at the right moment.”
Conclusion
This episode of BroadwayRadio's Class Notes offers an in-depth look into Verlana Koch's The Magic of Light, revealing the intricate process of bringing Ukrainian epic poetry and historical narratives to contemporary audiences. Through passionate storytelling, collaborative artistry, and a deep respect for cultural heritage, Verlana Koch exemplifies the heart of Broadway's premier podcasts, providing listeners with rich insights into the world of innovative theater.