Cultural and Artistic Component of the Camp Leisure of Interned Ukrainian Soldiers in Aleksandrów and Łańcut, Poland (end of 1920 – 1921)

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to conduct an analysis into the cultural and artistic component of the camp everyday life of interned UPR Army soldiers in the camps Aleksandrów and Łańcut (Poland) at the end of 1920 and in 1921. The scientific novelty lies in the multi-faceted study of the essence of cultural and artistic activity conducted by creative groups from among camp residents, whose events helped enrich everyday life in the camps for interned soldiers. Conclusions. The cultural and artistic life of interned soldiers was manifested most fully in three categories – songwriting of amateur choirs, performances of camp orchestras, work of camp theaters. At the same time, all amateur theatrical and concert events were national in content and spirit and contributed to the spiritual consolidation of the interned Ukrainian soldiers in the difficult conditions of internment. Thanks to the efforts of members of artistic groups, camp residents had the opportunity to regularly attend theater performances, choir performances, and instrumental music concerts. In addition, with the joint efforts of camp artists, various artistic events (‘concert-parties’) were regularly prepared for the internees, which constituted a harmonic combination of various theatrical, choral and musical numbers. Usually, they were concluded by dance sections, which enjoyed constant popularity among all camp residents. Similarly, camp artists cooperated in their efforts during the preparation of theatrical performances, thanks to which the performances acquired greater artistic value. It was also important that women (mostly officers’ wives), some of whom had undeniable artistic talent, were actively involved in the performances. Important cultural and artistic events included the celebration of national and state holidays, days of memory of Taras Shevchenko and Ivan Franko, divisional holidays, a commemoration of the fallen in battles, etc. The joint efforts of camp artists, choristers and musicians significantly contributed to overcoming the threatening tendency towards degradation and dispersal of the interned Ukrainian soldiers. Ukrainian song, music, and dramatic art, to the greatest extent, contributed to the camp residents’ spiritual unification around national values and also allowed them to successfully overcome all the difficulties of the camp’s everyday life.