Abstracts
Abstract
In this article I review the current status and forms of the Ukrainian vertep (вертеп, nativity performance). The overview is based on my field recordings and historical materials of numerous researchers. I use historical and comparative approaches. Three traditional forms of vertep are practiced today in Ukraine: a dramatic skit of a theatrical group of actors; a choral performance of Christmas and New Year’s carols with a “Bethlehem star”; and a representative nativity scene with a cave or manger called betleiem or shopka, featuring puppet figures of biblical characters. Depending on the form of the performance and the ethnographic region, a variety of scenarios, carol repertoire, and characters can be seen in vertep presentations. This folk-artistic tribute to Christmas in Ukrainian culture merits retention, safeguarding, study, and popularization in the world as an element of intangible cultural heritage.
Résumé
Dans cet article, je passe en revue le statut actuel et les formes du vertep ukrainien (вертеп, représentation de la Nativité). Cet aperçu est basé sur mes enregistrements de terrain et sur les documents historiques de nombreux chercheurs. J’utilise des approches historiques et comparatives. Trois formes traditionnelles de vertep sont pratiquées aujourd’hui en Ukraine : une pièce théâtrale avec un groupe d’acteurs ; une chorale de chants de Noël et du Nouvel An avec une « étoile de Bethléem » ; et une représentation de la Nativité appelée Bethléem ou shopka, illustrant une grotte ou une mangeoire et mettant en vedette des marionnettes de personnages bibliques. Selon la forme du spectacle et la région ethnographique, on observe une variété de scénarios, de répertoires de chants et de personnages dans les présentations du vertep. Cet hommage folklorique et artistique à Noël dans la culture ukrainienne mérite d’être conservé, sauvegardé, étudié et popularisé dans le monde en tant qu’élément du patrimoine culturel immatériel.
Appendices
References
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