Welcome to the Ephrata Public Library
Let's Talk Tolstoy! Short Biography Screening and Discussion.
On Monday, May 19 at 1 p.m., join us for a screening of Leo Tolstoy from the Great Russian Writers series and a discussion about his writing.
Screening of the Russian Film "Brother"
Monday, May 19, 6 p.m.
Just as it did for Hollywood directors during the Depression--the era of Cagney and Raft--the gangster genre in the 1990s allows Russian filmmakers to deal with the political and personal issues of a devastated society, while paying due attention to action and drama. In Brother, Sergei Bodrov Jr. (the son of the director of Prisoner of the Mountains, in which he also stars) plays Danila, a pale young man from the provinces returning home from his military service. He brings nothing with him but an instinctive skill for violence--which he demonstrates when he wanders through a movie set and casually beats up the goons who have been sent to run him off. Heading for St. Petersburg, Danila hooks up with his admired older brother Viktor, now a highly paid hit man. When Viktor farms out a job to Danila, and the younger brother proves to be the greater talent. He goes into business for himself, acquiring new clothes and a new mistress. But with new success comes new enemies; Danila learns to watch his back. Russian with English subtitles.
The Challenge of Russian Names
Tuesday, May 20, 6-8 p.m.
Learn how Russian names are created from patronymics, resulting in names like Ivan Ivanovich Ivanov. In addition, you will also learn how male and female names differ and how diminutives are used - a common problem for Americans who read Russian literature.
Tolstoy for Kids
Wednesday, May 21, 4-5 p.m.
We'll be sharing children's stories by Leo Tolstoy, including one of his most well-known stories about a Russian shoemaker, presented in Claymations. Russian snacks will also be featured. Grades 1-5.
Screening of "The Face of Russia, Part 2: The Fascade of Power"
Wednesday, May 21, 7 p.m.
This program traces the growth of Russian architecture from the Eastern-inspired onion domes and tent roofs of the early wooden churches to the sprawling palaces and vertical spires of secular St. Petersburg. Viewers visit baroque palaces such as Peterhof, with fountains and classical statuary that echo the elegant parks of Italy and France; Rastrelli's famed Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, and his Summer Palace at nearby Tsarskoe Selo. The program also explores the novel, especially the extraordinary achievement of writer Nikolai Gogol, who saw St. Petersburg as a heartless city'a city for parades rather than for people. The program takes an in-depth look at Gogol's work of literary genius, Dead Souls, an inspiration to the radicals of the nineteenth century, dissidents of the Soviet period, and filmmakers and theater producers today.
Russian Kettlebells Presented by Platoon Fitness
Thursday, May 22, 6 p.m.
See a demonstration of how Russian athletes get (and remain) so strong - through a very interesting training device: the kettlebell. In addition, you will also have the chance to try out these training devices yourself and see the difference they can make.
