BELARUS #03/2011 by BELARUS Magazine

No.3 (930), 2011

BELARUS Беларусь. Belarus

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SaSHeS SiLK Men’S WoVen By nS Were BeLaruSia ion HiT a True faSH During Ce an in fr of THe reign ; LuDoViC XV THere Were To TS Mp aT Te aLL faKe THeM pe. oVer euro nS CoLLeC Tio ga Be n in THe LaTe y 19TH CenTur

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Contents

Беларусь.Belarus Monthly magazine No.3 (930), 2011 Published since 1930 State Registration Certificate of mass medium No.8 dated March 2nd, 2009, issued by the Ministry of Information of the Republic of Belarus

14 4

Strategic values of capital

Minister of Cuba, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, has visited Belarus

Millennium Development Goals to be achieved jointly Deputy Permanent Repre-

sentative of Belarus to the UN, Zoya Kolontai, speaks of the country’s important international initiatives

34 42 46 50

53 Cultural status brings responsibilities

plores the history of our people and our country

Sound magician This year may be a decisive one for Belarusian cinema

Expressive perspective Photographer Yevgeny Grabkin says there are no non-photogenic people Kazyuki is a special holiday Guests

from Lithuania and Poland join folk masters and craftsmen from all over Belarus in Grodno, to celebrate day honouring their patron: Saint Casimir

A ‘real man’s’ game There is nothing new

under the sun: this saying is unequivocally proven by a ‘new’ sport that has been gaining in popularity — so-called ultimate fighting, or MMA (mixed martial arts). In reality, however, it is nothing but the good old sport of pankration

Materialisation of intellect Belarus be-

The winding path of an artist’s destiny Glass painter Tatiana Malysheva brings a nostalgic mood to her images, inspired by her own perception of life

Vadim Kondrashov, Georgiy Shablyuk, Aloizas Yunevich Беларусь.Belarus is published in Belarusian, English, Spanish and Polish. Distributed in 50 countries of the world. Final responsibility for factual accuracy or interpretation rests with the authors of the publications. Should any article of Беларусь.Belarus be used, the reference to the magazine is obligatory. The magazine does not bear responsibility for the contents of advertisements.

Publisher: “SB” editorial office This magazine has been printed at “Belarusian House of Press” Publishing Office” UE. 79 Nezavisimosti Ave., Minsk, Belarus, 220013

Write us to the address: 11 Kiselyov Str., Minsk, Belarus, 220029. Tel.: +375 (17) 290-62-24, 290-66-45. Tel./Fax: +375 (17) 290-68-31. www.belarus-magazine.by E-mail: mail@belarus-magazine.by

coming large exporter of IT and other innovations

17th century customs preserved in Vetka

Design and Layout by

Total circulation — 2032 copies (including 777 in English).

tising market generated $100m, showing that producers now rely on more than their reputation for quality to ensure sales; money spent on advertising is steadily growing

Island of a disappeared civilisation

Valentina Zhdanovich

Order No.731

is an attractive business partner, being a huge and dynamic developing market

Evident buoyancy In 2010, Belarus’ adver-

Penetrant look Vyacheslav Bondarenko ex-

Discovery of Latin America Latin America

Editor: Viktor Kharkov Executive Secretary:

Invitation from Havana The Foreign

Founders: The Information Ministry of the Republic of Belarus “SB” newspaper editorial office Belvnesheconombank

Feeling comfortable in her profession

Subscription index in Belpochta catalogue — 74977 For future foreign subscribers for ‘Belarus’ magazine, apply to ‘MK-Periodica’ agency. E-mail: info@periodicals.ru Telephone in Minsk: +375 (17) 227-09-10.

2011 беларусь.belarus

editor’s note

Spring mood

pring is everywhere and, as always, brings with it an awakening not just in nature, but in human life, which is considerably transformed after a long winter. Spring is said to have a female face, which is why Women’s Day is celebrated at the beginning of the first spring month. On March 8th, the President of Belarus traditionally gives a reception dedicated to International Women’s Day. This year was no exception. The theme of the reception was the growing role of women in public life and in political decision making. The state is obliged to take care of those who raise children and work hard. The article in our magazine, Honourable Mission, investigates this theme further, as do a range of other articles about talented and successful Belarusian women. Life doesn’t stand still and contemporary teachers and schoolchildren are preparing for the time when all textbooks will be contained in a single electronic device. Some are concerned about the disappearance of physical books and about whether the fragile souls of our pupils won’t be diminished by their loss. These issues should be pondered seriously, and our Lessons in the Electronic Dimension explores this topic. While we can still argue about whether we need electronic textbooks, the luxurious Belarusian High-Tech Park is already a reality, and a proven success. Due mainly to the HTP, Belarus is becoming a major exporter of innovative solutions, as described in the article, Materialisation of Intellect, which deals primarily with the country’s consistently following an innovative path of economic development. Within the next five years, the fields of space and information-communication will become priorities, along with bio- and nano-technologies. This path will be a financially rewarding one and, according to the experts, within five years’ time, the Belarusian IT industry will bring in $7bn of revenue annually. These targets have been outlined in a national programme for creating world-class software development centres in Belarus. Meanwhile, great hopes are also being pinned on international trade, with exports a major long-term priority of the state. Belarusian diplomacy, which has set primarily foreign economic goals, is intensifying its efforts in Latin America. This region — with a huge and dynamically developing market — is becoming a very attractive business partner for Belarus.

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Foreign trade will be reinforced with such countries as Brazil, Venezuela and Cuba, which are viewed as a foothold on the path to conquering the whole of Latin America. Ten years ago this region accounted for just 1 percent of Belarusian exports while now this figure stands at 3 percent. That’s rather good, taking into account the distances involved and that ties sometimes have to be established from scratch. The goal now, of course, is far more ambitious, and our Discovery of Latin America is dedicated to this topic. Major tasks and responsibilities have been placed on the new Cabinet of Ministers. The deputies adopted the final version of the programme of Government work for the next five years at the last meeting of the seventh extraordinary session of the House of Representatives. Belarus’ Prime Minister, Mikhail Myasnikovich, assured the deputies that all their proposals, of which there were 60, had been taken into account. The new Cabinet plans to fundamentally change work practices in order to encourage initiative and entrepreneurial spirit. The Legal Assessment Needed article tells us what other measures, relating to the professional completion of numerous tasks, are expected of the new Government by parliamentarians. Spring, which has a female face, has finally arrived. Specialists of the National Statistical Committee of Belarus recently compiled a portrait of the average Belarusian woman. The picture was interesting and included a few surprises. According to the researchers, the average Belarusian woman is 42 years old, married with children, and living in a city. You can read more statistics in our article, Real Compliance. Statistics usually reveal concrete facts, including those relating to the world of art. Our Labyrinths of Creative Fate investigates how the artist Tatiana Malysheva has managed to bring a nostalgic mood to her images, inspired by her own perception of life. These all prove our thesis that everything proceeds from life, including creative activity. In spring, life is filled with a special mood and hopeful anticipation, which brings a peculiar deepness. BY Viktor Kharkov, magazine editor Беларусь. Belarus

Emphasis

Always favoured mission Reception — traditionally organised by the President of Belarus on the occasion of Women’s Day on March 8th — gathers many beautiful and successful ladies

lexander Lukashenko awarded a worker of Mogilev P rof e s s i on a l Ly c e u m , Anna Voitosevich, and an employee at Kozyany kindergarten, Alla Puchinskaya, with the Order of Mother in recognition of their each having given birth to and raised five children. Addressing the women, he said, “Motherhood and childrearing are a woman’s sacred, God-given mission. Those of you who successfully combine professional and family obligations deserve all possible praise and support.” Anna has five daughters. The oldest is ten, and the youngest is two. “Children are our happiness and our wealth,” Anna says without hiding her joy. “I’m t han k f u l to G o d for h av i n g s u c h a fami ly. Of c o u r s e , I ’m thankful to my Andrey

Galina Baranova is among those awarded with the Medal of Honour for long and productive service

who is the best husband in the world. It would be possible to raise even ten children with such a man.” Belarusian state policy is focused on supporting young parents. Of course, some problems remain but, as analysts would say, the trend is positive. Housing remains a topical issue for many young families but in our country they can obtain housing credits. Additionally, although child allowances are not too high, they are gradually rising. Another good piece of news is that, in the coming years, almost 150 new kindergartens will be built throughout the country. Anyone would agree that all happy families are similar. Our conversation with Mrs. Puchinskaya confirmed this. She has four sons and a daughter and, in September, her large family moved from a 42sq.m village house to a new three-bedroom flat in Braslav. Alena shared her experience of simultaneously raising children, working and studying. “A mother should not necessarily be a housewife. She must be developed, educated, active and look after herself,” she said. In his speech President Lukashenko pointed out that the role of women is gradually growing in public life and political decision making. “Your wis dom, pur p os ef ulness and ability to ensure harmony are critical,” he believes. The Head of State noted that 31 women’s public associations operate in the country, while women account for almost 70 percent of all civil servants. According to him, the state w i l l a l w ay s remember people who are able to raise children and work hard.

 Women ahead 37 women in Minsk are over 100 year old

omen continue to lead among those aged over 70; there are over 97,000 in the Belarusian capital, against just 39,000 men. Women outnumber men in Minsk, accounting for 54 percent (993,000) according to the last Belarusian population census. In fact, the number of women in the capital had risen by 11 percent (1,177 women per 1,000 men) since the previous census. Women are active in many spheres in the life of Minsk, comprising over 54 percent of the total employed in the capital. Despite this, family and motherhood remain their priority, with 16,018 women getting married last year in Minsk.

 Hall of Victory 3D technologies for new State Museum of Great Patriotic War History in Minsk

onstruction of the museum is currently in full swing. “Of course, it won’t lose its classical features but we’ll be using 3D technologies and information resources, with artefacts and documents viewable via info-kiosks. Visitors will be able to ‘visit’ the Museum of Great Patriotic War History in Moscow or Kiev, touring the displays. The system will also link to other museums boasting similar exhibits. We think it’ll be interesting,” notes Sergei Azaronok, Director of the Belarusian State Museum of Great Patriotic War History.

By Yevgeny Kirillov

2011 беларусь.belarus

Belta

Topical

“We have no problems concerning relationship” — noted Alexander Lukashenko at the meeting with the Minister of Cuba

Invitation from Havana The Foreign Minister of Cuba, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, has visited Belarus

uba and Venezuela are Belarus’ major political partners in Latin America. “We have no problems in our relations,” noted M r. L u k a s h e n k o on meeting the Cuban Minister. Our two counties are united in having had sanctions placed on us by the USA and

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the EU. Within the international arena, Minsk and Havana advocate a principle of non-interference in domestic affairs, with multi-polarity and diversity in their paths of development: an ideology based on that of the Non-Aligned Movement (of which our two states are members). Mr. Lukashenko last visited Cuba in September 2006, attending a NonAligned Movement Summit. Dozens of

presidents and prime ministers arrived in Havana, with the Belarusian delegation receiving a warm welcome. Sadly, the transition from pure diplomacy to foreign economic activity has not been easy. Last year, Minsk and Havana traded just $7.5m — a modest sum in comparison to our other trading partners: Russia, Germany, Ukraine, China, Poland and, even, Venezuela.

Topical Clearly, Cuba is not Venezuela. The economic structures of these two states differ greatly. However, large oil deposits have been recently discovered on the Island of Freedom; the fountain of ‘black gold’ is yet to be exploited. Of course, decades of American blockade and the global economic crisis have affected Cuba and, consequently, our bilateral economic collaboration. However, the Cuban Minister has told the President that active debates are underway in his country to ensure trade and investment are realised. Cuba is eager to enhance its economic efficiency, while preserving its social structure. Mr. Lukashenko believes that, in these post-crisis times, it’s vital to return to previously developed projects. “For example, biotechnologies and pharmaceutical production are well developed in Cuba. Why shouldn’t you come here, to our common customs market, to establish joint ventures and generate profit? We’re ready to do everything possible to promote such projects — not only in Belarus. On the other hand, if Cuba needs technical, industrial modernisation or construction of the type of enterprises seen in Belarus, we’d be happy to help you implement these projects. I know you’re interested in establishing joint ventures to manufacture tractors and machinery,” said Mr. Lukashenko. Answering journalists’ questions, the Cuban Foreign Minister spoke of his message for the Belarusian leadership. “Cuba is inspired by the results of the recent presidential elections. We’re against the sanctions imposed by the USA and the EU. Belarus is a sovereign state and should independently determine its fate,” he said, adding, “I’d like to express my gratitude to Belarus for its solidarity with Cuba, regarding the blockade from the USA. We appreciate Minsk’s position during voting on corresponding resolutions.” The guest from Havana handed Mr. Lukashenko an invitation to visit the Island of Freedom again. In turn, Raúl Castro plans to visit Belarus in the near future.

Adequate reaction Alexander Lukashenko — who chairs the CSTO — approves plan of action adopted at Moscow’s December sitting of CSTO Collective Security Council, which was brought to Minsk for signing by the CSTO General Secretary, Nikolai Bordyuzha

even republics of the former USSR which have agreed to ensure security via joint action. The Three Musketeers once said ‘one for all and all for the one’; almost the same principle is laid in the North Atlantic Treaty, which founded NATO. N a t u r a l l y, m u c h separates words from deeds — as confirmed by the situation in Kyrgyzstan. The CSTO has its own Collective Rapid Reaction Force, in addition to peace keepers and a mechanism of political consultation. However, when a riot took place in this Central Asian country and ethnic collapse began, other members of the organisation failed to clearly formulate a common position with which to promptly react to the crisis. Mr. Bordyuzha has just returned from Bishkek, so Mr. Lukashenko asked him in detail about the situation in the Central Asia. “We chatted about the general situation and trends, and the measures being taken by Kyrgyzstan’s leadership to ensure stability and avoid repeated mass disorder, as occurred in the south of the country,” he told journalists. “We still have quite a few questions regarding extremist underground work and extremist organisations based in Afghanistan.” The events in Kyrgyzstan have inspired reform. “The main approach is to ensure the organisation functions properly and is ready to act in any crisis situation,” said Mr. Bordyuzha. The

plan brought to Minsk (prepared by the central office over a period of two months) includes not only the decisions of the Moscow summit but, also, a range of Belarusian initiatives. Among other ideas, Minsk is proposing that the seven member states have their own peace keepers, who can be deployed at special request from the UN. This enhances the organisation’s authority. Belarus also insists on the perfect training and equipment of these collective forces. Mr. Lukashenko believes the CSTO should be involved not only in counteracting foreign aggression and fighting terrorism but, for example, reacting to natural disasters and man-made catastrophes, which also affect security. Mr. Bordyuzha often visits CSTO member states, speaking to their presidents. Mr. Lukashenko told him, “We’d like to know how our colleagues react to this.” Additionally, the President d i s c u s s e d B e l a r u s i a n - Ru s s i a n relations with his guest, saying, “I’m interested in hearing your views on further prospects, including those of the Union State and its role within the CSTO.” Mr. Lukashenko has noted Mr. Bordyuzha’s importance within the Russian leadership; in the 1990s, he headed the Federal Border Service of Russia and was Secretary to the Russian Security Council. By Kirill Overianov

By Igor Slavinsky

2011 беларусь.belarus

Initiatives

Millennium Development Goals to be achieved jointly Deputy Permanent Representative of Belarus to the UN, Zoya Kolontai, speaks of the country’s important international initiatives

s. Kolontai! Given that our conversation is taking place on the e v e of Int e r n at i o n a l Women’s Day, on March 8th, let’s start with a genderrelated topic. What place do ‘women’s issues’ occupy on the UN’s agenda? Are

беларусь.belarus 2011

Zoya Kolontai during delivering of speech in UNO

all issues related to women’s rights and their active participation in social and political life settled? What Belarusian initiatives dealing with the protection of women’s rights have been promoted and approved at the international level? The gender theme occupies a central place within the UN. The issue of the expansion of opportunities for women, including their participation in political

decision making, is a priority for the UN Secretary General. He is particularly concerned with ending violence against women. As part of his initiative (UNiTE to End Violence against Women), a UN database has been established to hold information on national efforts by member-states to prevent violence against women; member-states states will be able to exchange information via this database. The answer to the question of whether all problems related to women’s rights and their active participation in global social and political life are settled is evident — of course, no. The international community needs to do much more, in particular, to ensure equal access to education and full employment for girls and boys, men and women. Moreover, worthwhile jobs for women are needed, as well as the elimination of sexual, domestic violence against them and trafficking in girls and women, which infringe their human rights and prevent them from realising their full potential. Other issues are also being targeted. Readers of your magazines probably know that, in 2010, the UN established a new structure aimed at improving the condition of women in the world — UN Women. Member states are pinning their hopes on it to solve current

Initiatives gender problems. This is the first active programme within the UN dealing with women’s rights; it will also render assistance in the promotion of women’s interests locally. Regarding Belarus’ initiatives on the protection of women’s rights (which were promoted and adopted at the global level), I recall in particular our initiative on strengthening the co-ordination of efforts to fight human trafficking, which our President described at the UN Summit in 2005. The initiative has resulted in the formation of a global partnership to counter the trade in people; this has taken the form of the UN Global Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking. It was adopted by the UN General Assembly last summer and its major feature is protection of the

unite efforts in the fight against this evil by all interested parties: states, international organisations, civil society, nongovernmental organisations and the private sector. The role of mass media is also vital here. One of the most important practical results of the Global Action Plan has been the establishment of the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund for Victims of Human Trafficking (aimed especially at women and children). This will focus exclusively on the interests of victims of human trafficking. Belarus has already contributed to the Fund: the President decided that our country would be among the first states to make a voluntary contribution to its activities. The next stage in efforts to protect victims of human trafficking will be the

Belarus has introduced a range of important initiatives in recent years. At the 60th session of the General Assembly, in 2005, the President of Belarus proposed another idea (in addition to counteracting human trafficking). He called upon the international community to acknowledge as a value of human civilisation the diversity in the paths taken by states in their development rights of victims of human trafficking — including thousands of women and girls from all over the world. In your speech at the high-level session of the UN General Assembly — dedicated to the launch of the UN Global Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, you called upon the global community to jointly counteract poverty, inequality and lack of education which make people vulnerable to slave traders. The adoption of the Global Action Plan, initiated by Belarus, is an important first step. What other steps should the international community take to protect victims’ rights? As mentioned above, Belarus was one of the originators of the Global Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking. One of its most important tasks is to

enactment of the provisions of the Global Action Plan, which include efforts by the international community to make its provisions universally legally binding, When delivering a speech at the UN Summit on the Millennium Development Goals in 2010, Belarus’ Foreign Minister called upon those present to hold a session of the General Assembly devoted to the protection of young people against social degradation. This is a new idea from the Belarusian delegation in the context of the topic of global partnerships aimed at supporting talented youth and protecting young people against social degradation. I think women from all over the globe will support this initiative, and thank the Head of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry for advancing this idea. Please tell us about it in more detail.

I’m convinced that not only will women support it, but men too. Both parents are interested in the happiness and health — including social health — of their children. This is a universal value, instilled by nature into the human psyche. We all want our children to be successful and able fully to realise their potential. It’s not easy to achieve these aspirations under modern conditions. This is very much due to interrelated social problems and new global challenges. It’s evident that only co-ordinated efforts by interested parties at different levels can solve the problem of social degradation. Individuals acting alone would be incapable of eliminating the systemic causes of social degradation among the young. During the 2010 Summit (devoted to reviewing the progress made in the Millennium Development Goals adopted by the UN in 2000), Belarus proposed a new initiative aimed at helping future generations to flourish. This idea is directly connected to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals and is rooted in the establishment of a new global partnership to protect the interests of the young and to solve the problems that are common to young people all over the world. Belarus is convinced that the needs of young people should be a priority of the Millennium Development Goals. Young people represent society’s potential and investing wisely in them now could be the driving force required for future generations to flourish. We must enhance this potential by supporting talented youngsters in particular. The formation of a socially aware generation of young people, imbued with values that are free from violence and bad habits (such as alcoholism and drug addiction), would contribute to the successful development of our society. As a preliminary to enacting Belarus’ initiative in this area, the UN General Assembly will hold discussions on the experience of all nations in this sphere.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Initiatives In recent times, the idea of involving the CSTO in UN peacekeeping operations has been discussed quite often. As far as I know, the Belarusian military already participate in UN peacekeeping operations. How do you evaluate this Belarus-UN co-operation? Has the UN acknowledged the CSTO as an important regional organisation? There is no doubt that the CSTO is an acknowledged regional organisation. Its charter was registered with the UN. We have already witnessed significant success in UN-CSTO relations. In particular, the UN Secretary General and the CSTO Secretary General have signed a memorandum of understanding and, in 2010, a UN General Assembly resolution was adopted envisaging co-operation between the UN and the CSTO. These two documents stress the necessity of increasing interaction between the two bodies in many spheres, including in peace ke e pi ng a c t iv it i e s .

establishment of a corresponding legal base in our country was a major step forward, as well as the UN Secretary General’s request that Belarus participate in peacekeeping operations. Afterwards, the President of Belarus made a decision to send our military to participate in the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon. The development of UN-Belarus cooperation in the field of peacekeeping looks very promising. Which initiatives of Belarus in the UN do you consider to have been most successful and productive? Belarus has introduced many such initiatives. I’ll talk about some of them. The initiative on the coordination of efforts in the counteraction of human trafficking is well known now. Looking back, after WWII the Belarusian initiative calling for the punishment of war criminals was welcomed by the global community.

Belarus was one of the originators of the Global Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking. One of its most important tasks is to unite efforts in the fight against this evil by all interested parties: states, international organisations, civil society, non-governmental organisations and the private sector Employing the CSTO in UN peacekeeping operations was an initiative proposed by the Belarusian President at the start of our country’s chairmanship of the CSTO. In this respect, our permanent representation in New York is taking steps to co-ordinate with other CSTO member—states in developing and strengthening the UN-CSTO relationship. Belarus participated in UN peacekeeping operations not long ago. The

беларусь.belarus 2011

In 1946, the resolution On Extradition and Punishment of War Criminals was adopted at the UN General Assembly’s 1st session, at the BSSR delegation’s initiative. Its provisions were further reflected in the UN Convention on the Non-Applicability of Statutory Limitations to War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity. Belarus also launched the UN’s Chernobyl-related activities by initiating the development of the UN General

Assembly’s resolution on the strengthening of international co-operation to minimise the consequences of the Chernobyl disaster, adopted by the General Assembly in 1990. Some time later, the UN ‘Chernobyl’ Secretariat was formed, while the work of the steering group across the UN’s 11 bodies was defined. Belarus has introduced a range of important initiatives in recent years. At the 60th session of the General Assembly, in 2005, the President of Belarus proposed another idea (in addition to counteracting human trafficking). He called upon the international community to acknowledge as a value of human civilisation the diversity in the paths taken by states in their development. This initiative of Belarus from 2009 has more support today. Belarus also proposed the idea of global partnerships for the UN. This is an efficient mechanism for the management of international relations, based on general mutual understanding. Every year, this policy justifies itself to a greater degree. A good example of this is the Global Partnership Against Slavery and Trafficking in Human Beings which was initiated by Belarus five years ago and is still proving to be successful. In the economic sphere, Belarus is consistently advocating the creation of a global mechanism which would ensure access for all states to new and renewable energy technologies, as well as advocating interaction between UN bodies and middle-income countries in order to ensure favourable conditions for their development. The ideas promoted by Belarus receive a lively response from other UN member-states. The number of initiatives introduced by Belarus and the insistence with which it supports them contributes to strengthening Belarus’ authority in the international arena as a pragmatic and constructive participant in international dialogue. Thank you for talking to us! By Nina Romanova

International co-operation

Discovery of Latin America Latin America is an attractive business partner, being a huge and dynamic developing market

Positive energy

In just a few years, Venezuela has transformed itself from an ordinary Latin American state into a major partner for Belarus. Alexander Lukashenko and Hugo Chávez meet several times a year. Until 2007, Belarusian exports to Venezuela consisted almost solely of potash fertilisers but now 2.5 percent of our turnover comes from trade with this country — more than with neighbouring Latvia, or with UK and Italy.

Venezuela, paying $647 per tonne for a total of $1.17bn. Last October, Mr. Chávez visited Minsk and, in the presence of our two presidents, the Belarusian Oil Company and Petróleos de Venezuela signed a contract for 20112013 under which up to 10m tonnes of oil will be supplied to Belarus annually. At the same time, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Belorusneft and Venezuelan Oil Company on the attachment of two new deposits to Petrolera BeloVenezolana (a joint oil company operating in Venezuela). The will allow Belarus to import over 1m tonnes of oil a year. Political scientist Yuri Shevtsov believes that Belarus now relies little on Russia for its oil supplies. In his view, the contract with Venezuela has enabled Minsk to adjust its relationship with Moscow in this area. “Our joint oil consumption amounts to approximately 21m tonnes a year. We have a contract with Venezuela for 10m and this volume of oil fully satisfies Belarus’ domestic needs, even exceeds it,” stressed Mr. Shevtsov. “We use about 8m tonnes for domestic needs, and process the remainder to produce oilbased products for export.” Caterine Shaposhnikova

he population of the region encounters 600m people. Belarusian diplomacy — which focusesprimarily on foreign economic ties — focuses actively on this region, liaising closely with such countries as Brazil, Venezuela and Cuba. These are viewed as a starting point for ‘conquering’ Latin America economically. Last year, Belarus made $2.8bn from its trade with Latin America. A decade ago, the region only accounted for one percent of Belarusian exports but that figure has since tripled. This is not bad considering that ties had often to be established from scratch. However, there are far more ambitious goals in sight...

Last year, Belarusian exports to Venezuela reached $302m, with imports valued at almost $650m. This drastic increase (almost from scratch) in the level of imports is due to our beginning to purchase Venezuelan oil. The oil contracts have enabled Belarus to reduce its dependence on Russian hydrocarbons and should be considered a major achievement of Belarusian-Venezuelan economic relations. From May to late 2010, Belarus bought 1.8m tonnes of oil from

2011 беларусь.belarus

International co-operation Trade drives progress

In addition to energy trading, Belarus views traditional trade and industrial collaboration with Venezuela as profitable avenues of cooperation. Venezuela has a solvent economy, receiving 80 percent of its foreign currency revenue from oil sales. Interestingly, despite their complicated political relations, the USA remains Venezuela’s major trading partner, accounting for about a third of its revenues. However, Venezuela has an underdeveloped manufacturing industry and Belarusian products enjoy popularity there. Venezuela needs machine assembly plants and First Deputy Prime Minister, Vladimir Semashko, has said that Belarus will open several plants in Venezuela in the autumn. “We hope to open an assembly facility for MTZ tractors and MAZ vehicles on October 31st, 2011,” he notes. These plants will assemble 10,000 tractors and 5,000 cars annually. It is expected that loading machinery will also be assembled there in the future. The possibility of selling shares to Venezuela in Belarusian machine assembly plants is now being considered with the aim of further embedding Belarusian machinery in the Venezuelan market. Mr. Lukashenko has stated that he is already negotiating with Mr. Chávez on his purchase of a majority stake in Minsk Automobile Works. “Mr. Chávez proposes to buy a number of shares, paying good money. I told him: ‘With pleasure. But you should become MAZ’s stronghold in Latin America’,” explained the Belarusian President. These talks have emerged against rumours of interest from Russian investors in MAZ and uncertainty with regard to the company’s value. The economic law is simple: the more buyers, the higher the price. In addition to machine assembly facilities, a brick plant will be built in Venezuela in the autumn, which will produce 100m bricks a year. This will be a great help in large-scale construction projects which Belarusians are working on now in Venezuela. Our builders plan to construct 15,000 flats in various

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Venezuelan cities; the first of them will be ready in the coming months. For Belarus, increasing exports of its goods and services is a top priority. By 2014, it aims to achieve a zero foreign trade balance. Last year, Belarus’ negative balance of trade in goods and services amounted to a record $7.5bn. This means that the country failed to earn enough foreign currency, which could lead to economic problems. Another reason for machine builders to increase their sales to Venezuela is that orders from the Belarusian state will be cut in and it would be unreasonable to rely on them as in the past. This was announced by Mr. Semashko who explained that there will be fewer state orders for Gomselmash tractors (about 1,500 in 2011) in the future. The domestic market is already saturated and manufacturers need to enter foreign markets in order to keep functioning.

special status of our ties is underscored by the absence of visa requirements for Belarusians wishing to go to the Island of Freedom. Our countrymen are already actively developing this popular tourist destination. Diplomatic relations between our states were established in 1992. Since then, our major task has been to convert the friendly interpersonal relations between our people into economic collaboration. So far, in this respect, Cuba lags behind ‘little Venice’

Warm climate for co-operation

Cuba and Venezuela are Belarus’ main political partners in Latin America. This was reaffirmed during a recent visit to Minsk by the Foreign Minister of Cuba, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla. During Alexander Lukashenko’s recent trip to Caracas, Hugo Chávez proposed tri-lateral projects between Belarus, Venezuela and Cuba. “I think it’s high time to revisit these projects. Belarus is ready to contribute significantly to their realisation,” Mr. Lukashenko told his guest from Havana. He has visited the Island of Freedom twice during his career — in 2000 and 2006; this proves our interest in developing this political relationship. As regards Belarusian-Cuban cooperation, Belarus is probably the only post-Soviet state to have preserved the same level of warmth that characterised Cuba-USSR co-operation. This is despite the distance and other obstacles such as sanctions from the West (from which our two states suffer). When Havana delegation visited Minsk on 22nd February, they first laid wreaths at the Victory Monument. This was a very touching moment. The

(Venezuela’s name, translated). The transition from pure diplomacy to foreign economic activity is not easy. Last year, Minsk and Havana exchanged just $7.5m of goods and services. Ways of improving that situation were discussed during Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla’s visit. The President pointed out that there had been plans for many joint projects; however, they were interrupted by the global economic crisis. According to Mr. Lukashenko, our major task now is to complete those projects. “I think we should be braver in realising these projects,” he said. The President noted

International co-operation Belarus’ readiness to help Cuba to modernise technologically and to reequip its enterprises, while establishing a joint venture to produce tractors and cars. A project was announced involving our Tractor Works, which will start next year. Belarus’ Foreign Minister Sergei Martynov notes, “Much Belarus-made machinery operates in Cuba now, including tractors and buses. There is an economic opportunity in the joint projects to service this machinery on

In the near future, our two countries plan to set up joint production of nextgeneration anti-tumour medications. This was announced recently by Sergey Usanov, academic secretary of the Department of Chemistry and Earth Sciences at Belarus’ National Academy of Sciences. “This is a new generation of anti-tumour drugs, characterised by their direct influence on cancer cells and lower toxicological effect,” he said. It is expected that drugs for the treatment of breast cancer will be produced first; in future, medicines to cure lung cancer and other oncological diseases will be produced. Such projects will no doubt revive our bilateral economic relations.

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Brazilian soap opera. Series one

Belarusian production for Latin America

site and, probably, to promote Belarusian machinery and technologies in the region generally, via the Cuban connection.” The President also said sugar production might be a promising area of cooperation. Belarus plans to purchase large volumes of Cuban raw cane sugar to process it into sugar. Of course, the Island of Freedom produces more than sugar cane. Its medicine is world-renowned and has even inspired the development of pharmaceuticals and biotechnologies. Minsk is interested in sharing its experience with Havana in this high-tech area.

Venezuela is a promising market, which is likely to be lucrative, but it is not the leading economy of Latin America. Fidel Castro is an authoritative Latin American leader, but, for obvious reasons, the Island of Freedom cannot be the most influential state in the region, where Brazil is the largest and strongest state. Moreover, it is highly developed economically: it has the 8th highest GDP in the world. We are now witnessing a new stage in Belarusian-Brazilian relations. Owing to its size, Brazil has always been a leading trading partner of Belarus in Latin America. In 2008, our exports to Brazil exceeded $1bn although, during the global crisis of 2009, Belarus’ revenue from trade with Brazil fell to $570m. An increase in trade (which in 2010 exceeded $863m) brings hope that the pre-crisis figures will soon be restored. In recent years, political scientists and economists grouped Brazil, Russia, India and China under the acronym, BRIC; in their view, these large and dynamically developing countries can challenge the economic domination of developed states, which has lasted many years. Belarus has good relations with three of these four countries. It’s now aiming to make a breakthrough with Brazil. With this in mind, a Belarusian Embassy is being opened in the capital

(until recently, only a Consulate General operated in Rio de Janeiro). This was agreed a year ago, during the President’s first visit to Brazil and his meeting with Luiz Inácio Lula (who was the Brazilian Head of State at that time). Leonid Krupets was appointed the first Belarusian Ambassador to Brazil. On presenting the diplomat, Foreign Minister Sergei Martynov noted that when Mr. Krupets chaired Minsk Regional Executive Committee he visited this Latin American country and had experience in negotiating. Mr. Krupets described his task, “Everything will be aimed at earning foreign currency for our country, including selling products and launching joint ventures.” Belarus primarily exports potash fertilisers (which account for 20-30 percent of the Brazilian market) and Bobruisk-made tyres to Brazil. In November, Belshina officially opened its registered office in the city of Vitória (the state of Espírito Santo) with the purpose of increasing exports. Since 2002, the company has exported mainly super-large tyres to Brazil but, after the visit of the presidential delegation, largescale sales of passenger car tyres began. “We have huge plans,” noted Konstantin Kozlov, the leading foreign economic activity specialist at Belshina’s Exports Department. “The market is large and demand outstrips supply. Our products are quite competitive. We are the only foreign company supplying tyres to businesses and providing ‘shoes’ for new tractors.” It would also seem to be profitable to sell Belarusian machinery to this huge market. In spring, the first batch of Belarusian tractors will arrive in Brazil. These will first be tested on Goiás fields (whose Governor Mr. Lukashenko met during his visit). Some time later, BelAZ, Minsk Wheeled Tractor Plant, Minsk Tractor Works and Minsk Bearing Plant will all be established at local mines and pits. New markets are being opened with great speed. If everything goes as planned, the results of this economic expansion will vastly improve Belarus’ balance of trade figures in coming years. By Igor Kolchenko

2011 беларусь.belarus

Suggestions since it takes away the need to think and co-ordinate the work of related bodies. However, fulfilling the orders of others can result in a lot of paperwork and the need to meet by-laws; we want to move away from the latter,” he said. Mr. Myasnikovich is giving special attention to privatisation. Speaking to his opponents, he noted, “An efficient owner is vital; no other approach will be applied.” The Prime Minister assured those present that the decision on which strategic companies to privatise is in the hands of the President alone. As regards other facilities, Mr. Myasnikovich

Down to work! Parliamentarians expect new Government to promptly solve many problems

believes there are no grounds for fear. After privatisation, companies don’t disappear; they continue employing citizens, while taxes are paid to the Belarusian budget. “Money generated from privatisation should not be spent on current expenses but will go towards modernisation of old facilities and construction of new plants,” he explained, adding, “We need to understand that, without economic restructuring, our negative balance will reach at least $4.5bn by 2015 — under favourable conditions.” Our parliamentarians have asked the Constitutional Court to decide how the Polish law ‘On Pole’s Card’ meets ‘generally acknowledged principles and norms of international law’. The document came into force in March 2008, covering all post-Soviet states but is primarily aimed at citizens of Lithuania, Belarus and Ukraine. Igor Karpenko, the Chairman of the Standing Committee for International Affairs and Links with the CIS, says that, in the two years’ time, the ‘Pole’s Card’ has been issued to 14,509 Belarusians. He believes that ‘this document is of a discriminatory character, dividing ethnic Poles in our country between those eligible for a ‘Pole’s Card’ and those who are not’. It is issued by consular establishments, although he asserts that they have no right to issue any documents to local citizens except visas. Moreover, lists of Belarusians with such cards are sent to Poland’s Department of Home Affairs, as well as to security and border agencies. The deputies hope that the Constitutional Court’s legal assessment will provide a good argument for further dialogue with Polish authorities regarding the document’s issuing.

At the sitting of the House of Representatives

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eputies have adopted the final plan for the Government’s work for the next five years, at the last sitting of the House of Representatives’ special seventh session. Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich noted that all the proposals by the deputies — 60 in total — have been taken into account. “We plan to seriously change our methods of work to achieve our targets, inspiring initiatives and entrepreneurial spirit. We need decisive structural reform. Of course, excessive centralisation is a blessing for many,

By Yulia Yerofeeva

Context

‘Viking’ goes to the south Azerbaijan may join project of container transport

‘V

Efficiency of work is our goal Governmental programme for 2011-2015 envisages increased labour productivity for Belarusian industry of 70 percent

he programme contains mechanisms of industrial policy, with large integrated industrial structures to be established (holdings, clusters and financial-industrial groups); this will ensure stability and sustainability of the national economy, alongside competitiveness on foreign markets, reduced imports and materials, lowered prime costs and increased quality. Large industrial associations are to be re-organised into new economic clusters: holdings, joint ventures and other production and scientificproduction enterprises. Those involved in production of automobiles, roadconstruction machinery, quarry trucks, diesel engines and white goods are to be created. Additionally, an inter-branch holding is to be set up to manufacture urban and suburban electric transport. Holdings are also needed for sugar, butter and distillery sub-branches of the food industry.

iking’ is a container train travelling between Ukrainian Ilyichevsk, Belarusian Minsk and Lithuanian Klaipeda. If Azerbaijan joins the project, cargo transportation could extend from the Baltic States, via Belarus and Ukraine, onto Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and other Central Asian states. Turkey and Syria voiced their interest in the project this January. The ‘Viking’ combined transport train has been travelling for eight years to date, covering a distance of almost 2,000km. The transport corridor unites a network of sea containers and piggyback lines, from the Baltic Region to the Black, Mediterranean and Caspian seas. In 2009, it was acknowledged to be the best European cargo transport project by the European Intermodal Association.

Jointly to battle terrorism Belarus and Russia counteracting global terrorism, which kills innocent people and threatens international legitimacy and the domestic stability of states

ssues of combating crime, including terrorism, are receiving special attention as part of bilateral collaboration between Belarus and Russia. At present, our two states’ justice ministries are analysing legislation to battle terrorism, bringing definite recommendations for harmonisation. Belarus is making its own contribution to formalising global antiterrorist strategy, uniting states in their battle against terrorism. Belarus is associating with the international community, trying to ensure efficient legislation for combating terrorism. Besides developing national legislation, our country is taking part in universal anti-terrorist international treaties.

Know-how in energetics Minsk hosts 3rd International AtomexpoBelarus-2011 Specialised Exhibition and Conference

h e e x h i bit i on pre s e nte d t h e latest technology relating to the design, construction, operation and security of nuclear power plants. The event aimed to promote a system of training personnel for the nuclear industry, with over 100 companies and organisations from four countries taking part. The Belarusian industrial complex was widely represented, with such giants of machine building as BelAZ, MAZ and Amkodor demonstrating their equipment.

The Prospects of the Nuclear Energy Industry in Belarus scientific and practical conference was also held as part of the exhibition, discussing issues of design, construction and secure operation of nuclear power stations.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Strategic values of capital

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Financeinstruments

At Belarusian Summit of capital markets

Minsk recently hosted two large forums devoted to capital markets, bringing together high ranking representatives of the London Stock Exchange, Deutsche Bank, White and Сase law firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers consulting company, Capital Times investment company and Sberbank of Russia

eading international financial experts, investors and bankers advised Belarusian enterprises on modern financial instruments. The Government is convinced that it is high time that Belarusian business used these instruments and joined the global capital markets.

Alternative to credit

“The traditional methods of making loans, to which we’re accustomed, are a thing of the past,” stressed the Economy Minister, Nikolai Snopkov, delivering a speech at the Belarusian Capital Markets Summit. “There are many other interes-

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ting, less expensive and more flexible instruments for attracting capital to developing companies.” The Government is now looking at such popular global financial instruments as corporate bonds and IPOs (Initial Public Offering) for attracting direct investment to businesses. Finance Minister Andrei Kharkovets believes Belarus’ large state enterprises should be more dynamic and move away from old financial practices towards an independent search for cheaper (in comparison to credits) sources of finance. There was a plan three of four years ago for large Belarusian businesses, particularly oil processing companies, to join the global

capital market. An Initial Public Offering of 10-15 percent of shares was to be floated on the international market to finance the modernisation of those companies (as well as to gauge their market value). However, the IPO was reconsidered when the global crisis seriously affected the financial markets and many companies lost value. The time for stepping into the market was acknowledged to be unfavourable. Most analysts agree that the crisis is over and that now may be the time to join the global financial market. The Government itself has made a start, placing $1bn of Eurobonds last year. According to the Economy Ministry, this is a signal to the corporate sector. “Clearly,

Financeinstruments access to foreign capital requires a certain level of experience,” says Deputy Economy Minister, Dmitry Golukhov. “However, those companies which have a strategy for joining the international market will gain a competitive advantage.” Experts note that working with foreign sources of finance will require that Belarusian companies meet international standards in accounting. Transparency and openness will also be needed. A new economic culture will develop and, eventually, Belarusian business will be integrated into the global economy.

Investment interest

Belarus is becoming ever more attractive to global capital. The recent changes in legislation aimed at the protection of investors’ interests have created a favourable environment for the injection of capital into Belarusian businesses. Mr. Snopkov stresses that, during the crisis, the Belarusian economy was stable. GDP maintained positive growth and the predictable economic environment enabled investors to realize free repatriation of capital. Investors might see it as advantageous that Belarus lags behind neighbouring Russia, Poland and Ukraine in the use of modern flexible and cheaper financial instruments. This potential is attractive. Financial analysts predict

sees good prospects for the Belarusian market. He notes the high rate of growth in our GDP, our successful recovery from the global crisis and Belarus’ advantageous geographical location. He says that the world has been impressed by the Government’s successful debut on the Eurobond market in 2010. He explains, “Investors were unanimously interested in investing money in Belarusian Eurobonds.” The German banker adds that it is primarily western banks, insurance companies and investment funds that are buying these bonds, displaying faith in the economy. While developing its cooperation with the Government, Deutsche Bank is eager to act as an organiser and consultant for our companies on the international capital markets (regarding the issue of corporate bonds and placement of securities). Deutsche Bank is a member of the working group involved in the IPO (Initial Public Offering) of Belarusian Automobile Works. According to experts, the largest state banks including Belarusbank and Belagroprombank are likely to become IPO pioneers. They are better prepared to take that step and well understand what an IPO is and what its advantages are. Experts also note that an IPO is an instrument which best suits large,

Belarus is becoming ever more attractive to global capital. The recent changes in legislation aimed at protection of investors’ interest have created a favourable environment for the injection of capital into Belarusian business that investors will be more interested in purchasing shares in Belarusian companies than in Russian or Polish companies, since a developing market usually equates to good growth potential and a good return on the money invested. Western investors have their own view of the situation. The Head of Moscow’s Deutsche Bank Office, Joerg Bongartz,

stable companies such as Belarusbank, Belagroprombank and BelAZ. Mr. Bongartz notes that western partners are interested in participating in the orderly privatisation of our companies, while increasing their efficiency. Judging by the recent announcements of the Economy Ministry, this interest is reciprocal.

Perceived positively Belarus views Sberbank of Russia as a serious partner which fulfils its promises, notes Alexander Lukashenko, on meeting the Chairman of the bank’s Board, German Gref, in Minsk

erman Gref is among those who settle billions of Dollars worth of business. His last visit to Minsk in 2008 launched Sberbank’s entrance to our market. Belarus then agreed to sell BPS-Bank to its Russian partner. Recollecting the discussions which preceded that deal, Alexander Lukashenko sincerely noted, “We were very circumspect.” Sberbank’s assets several times exceed Belarus’ GDP, causing apprehension. However, assessing Sberbank’s achievements, Mr. Lukashenko notes that the results have been positive for Belarus. BPS-B an k’s en hance d access to c apit a l ( it is now t he t h i rd largest bank after Belarusbank and Belagroprombank) has allowed it to increase its volume of loans. The Russian investor’s arrival on the Belarusian market brought enhanced competitiveness while Sberbank rendered support to our exports, providing loans to buyers in Russia. Another avenue of co-operation has been the placement of Belarusian bonds abroad. With assistance from Sberbank, the Belarusian Government has attracted $1bn from Eurobonds. Our state bonds have also debuted on the Russian market. Mr. Gref noted that none of the directions discussed in 2008 have ‘failed to receive development’. The volume of Sberbank’s investments into Belarus is approaching $1bn, despite the crisis of the last two years. Sberbank of Russia is now starting a new stage, planning to update the technological platform of its subsidiary BPS-Bank, making it modern, mobile and competitive.

By Vitaly Volyanyuk

2011 беларусь.belarus

statistics

Portraying in terms of figures Not long ago, the National Statistical Committee compiled a portrait of the average Belarusian woman. The picture was interesting, with a few surprises

Women follow their destiny and perceive life without gender prejudice

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early 2011 (51 percent of the total). There are 962,000 girls (49 percent) in higher secondary education, while 32 percent attend professional colleges and 53 percent are at special secondary establishments. The share of girls in higher educational establishments remains at a steady 59 percent, with most traditionally preferring humanitarian and social classes, studying culture, arts, medicine, teaching, economics and management. They show less interest in electro-technical studies, architecture and metal processing. Their choices determine their future careers, with most choosing jobs which require patience, attention to detail and sensitivity. Of course, others find their niche in transport, construction and forestry, with these spheres employing up to 25 percent of women.

As regards marriage and family life, much remains unchanged. According to the 2009 census, 62 percent of women and 52 percent of men were married, while 27 percent of men and 18 percent of women had never been married. Interestingly, almost 80 percent of never married men and over 75 percent of women were under the age of 30. The 2009 census showed that 83 percent of women viewed themselves as Belarusians, about 9 percent as Russians, over 3 percent as Poles, and about 2 percent as Ukrainians. Russian was the major language of communication for 70 percent of Belarusian women, while Belarusian was spoken by 24 percent. Almost 60 percent of women knew English well, while 63 percent knew German. By Alexander Burmistrov

Alexander Ruzhechka

ccording to researchers, the average Belarusian is a 42 year old married woman, with children, l i v i n g i n a c i t y. S h e has higher or secondar y special education and sees Belarusian as her native language. However, she prefers speaking in Russian. According to statistics, there are 1,151 women for each thousand men in Belarus. However, urban men prevail over women in the ‘under 28’ age group. In villages, this extends to the age of 57. The situation is largely due to young women leaving villages for cities, to continue their education and find employment. Women’s thirst for knowledge is worthy of envy; there are more women than men in education: 863,000 as of

Banking sector

Updating banknotes National Bank brings new banknotes into circulation

Not sharp fluctuation expected National Bank asserts that there will be no sharp drop in value of national currency

elarusians are frightened of devaluation. Recently, rumours have abounded that the Dollar rate might grow by 25 percent, with stories circulating on the Internet. However, the National Bank refutes these claims. “We’re convinced that devaluation is not an efficient instrument,” asserts the Head of the National Bank’s Information Department, Anatoly Drozdov. He adds, “Belarus can currently borrow money from foreign markets, if it wishes. It’s not difficult. Two years ago, such possibilities were limited for the country, due to the economic crisis, so devaluation was seen as the most appropriate solution.” The National Bank does not deny the fact that the Belarusian Rouble’s value may gradually fall against the Dollar. However, this does not mean that the trend will continue. The major financial institution of the country is ready to limit fluctuations in the Belarusian Rouble’s exchange rate against the basket of currencies

(meeting forecasts for 2011 of plus/ minus 8 percent). Not long ago, the banking sector adopted its plan for the coming five years, at an extended session of the National Bank’s Board. As regards its monetary-credit policy, the National Bank promises to keep pegging the Belarusian Rouble against a basket of currencies. The currencies may be re-considered, while the central figure and the width of the fluctuation corridor are to be reviewed annually. “A gradual transition to a more flexible Belarusian Rouble exchange rate is our goal, to enhance the efficiency of exchange policy, taking into consideration the external and internal balance of the economy,” the National Bank explains. At the same time, it plans to counteract speculation on the foreign currency market, which affects the rate of exchange. It also plans to smooth any sharp fluctuations in the Belarusian Rouble’s exchange rate.

t first sight, the 500, 1,000, 10 and 20 thousand Belarusian Rouble notes appear the same as those issued in 2000, which are still in circulation. The images on both sides are similar, as are the colours and sizes. However, the degree of protection against forgery has been enhanced. For example, instead of a polymer, transparent thread with ‘NBRB’ inscribed, a protective metallised thread is used on both sides, forming a dotted line which looks solid in the light. The Head of the National Bank’s Information Department, Anatoly Drozdov, comments, “Banknotes have remained unchanged since 2000; this

is the first serious modernisation in 11 years. Not long ago, we updated the 50 and 50,000 Belarusian Rouble notes. When the new rules of Belarusian spelling were introduced, we changed the spelling of ‘fifty’ (‘пяцьдзясят’). Additionally, we placed a protective metallised thread into the 50,000 Rouble note. At that time, only the largest banknote — 100,000 Roubles — had this thread.” New money is to come into circulation in the near future, but the old notes will remain legal tender.

By Bogdan Penkovsky

2011 беларусь.belarus

Advertising market

Evident buoyancy In 2010, Belarus’ advertising market generated $100m, showing that producers now rely on more than their reputation for quality to ensure sales; money spent on advertising is steadily growing

f t e r a s m a l l d e l ay, Belarusian industrialists are realising that adver tising is their path to preserving a market niche. Moreover, retail outlets are ready to take on a share of these costs. Last year, advertising budgets of the trade rose by 40 percent. Jointly with manufacturing enterprises, retailers c on du c te d ab out 2 0 , 0 0 0 advertising campaigns. “St ate p ol i c y ai ms to stimulate manufacturers to promote their products via advertising,” explains the Head of the Department for the Control of Advertising and Protection of Consumer Rights at the Trade Ministry, Irina Baryshnikova. She adds that the advertising market’s present development leaves much to be desired, while national legislation continues to be improved. “We’ve prepared a draft law, amending the Law on Advertising to prevent misrepresentation to the public by unscrupulous advertisers,” explains Ms. Baryshnikova. Interestingly, last year, specialists from the Trade Ministry detected many cases of unfair use of advertising, which provoked the infringement of consumers’ rights. Additionally, bankers received attention for failing to indicate the full interest rates due on loans during TV and radio advertisements, and on billboards. If these amendments to the Law on Advertising are adopted, banking

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officials will be obliged to give full disclosure of terms. Companies involved in promoting concert tours are also to expect changes, with names of foreign stars and their compositions to be written not only in foreign languages but

property suffered greatly in these neighbouring states but such advertising was never a significant element of the Belarusian advertising market. Outside advertisements and those placed in the mass media dropped in Russia and Ukraine yet remained buoyant in Belarus. I think that we’ll maintain our 12 p e r c e nt p a c e o f m a r k e t growth throughout 2011,” b e l i e v e s SM G Ho l d i n g’s Director, Piotr Popelushko. The Trade Ministry is also optimistic about the future. “The state is interested in establishing conditions to liberalise the advertising market and ensure growth,” says Ms. Baryshnikova. The Internet is viewed as the most dynamic segment of the advertising market, both in Belarus and abroad. During Advertising market development deals with its content the financial crisis, Internet in Russian. “We aim to create more advertising volumes grew, instead acceptable conditions for advertising, of falling and, last year, rose by 30 without infringing the rights of percent (over 2009 figures). However, consumers or advertisers,” notes Ms. television remains a leader in revenue Baryshnikova. terms. “The major advertisers are The domestic advertising market those who promote goods which enjoy is demonstrating measurable growth, broad demand: household chemicals, reaching $100m last year (up 12 personal hygiene products and confecpercent on 2009). It experienced tionery. In addition, mobile and other a crisis two years ago but has now telecommunication service providers,” overcome all economic difficulties. explains Mr. Popelushko. Interestingly, “We avoided a major advertising advertising agencies have noticed that dip, unlike Russia and Ukraine; here, if a certain brand appears regularly advertising revenue fell by about 20 on TV, it is also widely advertised in percent, against 30 and 50 percent other media. This tendency has been in Russia and Ukraine respectively. observed for several years. Financial advertising and that of By Monika Kedrova

New reality

hree ‘applicants’ are under discussion: electronic display boards, e-readers (e-book devices) and netbooks. The latter, demonstrated at a recent press conference by Alexander Martinkevich, Deputy Head of the High-Tech Park’s Administration, has been created by Intel Corporation especially for junior pupils. It’s durable enough to withstand knocks and bangs, is water resistant, so can be accidentally splashed with tea, and its plastic case can even be used to slide down from an icy mountain! Meanwhile, it can’t be stolen,

special training and the results of the project will be comprehensively assessed by specia-lists. The HTP initiative is part of the Education Ministr y’s plan, from September, to launch the use of personal electronic devices in several schools — yet to be chosen. They are to be of various levels and in various parts of the country. The Education Ministry is still deciding between electronic display boards, e-readers and netbooks. Will it be difficult for teachers to master the new electronic device? “I don’t think

Lessons in electronic dimension Last century, each person was considered to be the architect of their own fortune. Today, we control our own lives via IT. Accordingly, Belarusian teachers and parents aren’t arguing whether children need personal electronic devices. Rather, they’re debating which type should be used that any computer-literate person would face difficulty. In fact, many smart phones are like miniature display boards these days,” notes Yuri Bykadorov, Pro-rector of the Belarusian State Pedagogical University and a member of the Education Ministry’s Informatisation Council. “I advocate the launch of technological innovations. Moreover, the quality of the screen is such that it doesn’t cause eye strain; its contemporary technology gives pictures of almost perfect definition.” The idea of e-readers replacing real textbooks is still questioned

Aloizas Yunevich

since it only works inside its registered educational establishment. Each netbook can be used as a drawing board, while enjoying all the opportunities of a true PC, with wireless Internet access. In September 2011, junior schoolchildren at several Belarusian schools will be given these devices, with the HTP launching a pilot project to create a new educational environment. Mr. Martinkevich promises that te achers will receive

Isle of native culture Belarus’ weekend school opens in Chisinau

he school is to be attended by B elarusian children living in Moldova, including children of Belarusian Embassy staff from the mission in Chisinau. It will focus on training senior pupils for entrance examinations for Belarusian universities, with lessons offering a comprehensive grounding in Belarusian studies. Children will follow the educational curriculum from Minsk, with a thorough study of the Belarusian language, literature and history. Representatives of the Belarusian community in Moldova are also expected to attend lessons. A museum is to open at the site, housing national costumes and other exhibits detailing Belarusian traditions and customs.

Finding common language Business incubator at Belarusian State University of Informatics and Radioelectronics hosts Day of Passionate Intellectuals

he meeting coincided with St. Valentine’s Day and explored how best to find mutual understanding, even when dialogue is conducted in an artificial language. The event united theorists and practical workers in various areas relating to linguistics, with participants discussing technologies used to analyse and synthesise artificial languages. They debated the advantages of Esperanto: the most popular among them. The meeting was attended by heads of language courses and schools, as well as marketing specialists, start-up entrepreneurs and developers of social network applications.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Innovation export

Materialisation of intellect Belarus becoming large exporter of IT and other innovations

n Soviet times, the Akademgorodok (town for academicians) was established close to Minsk’s ring road. One after another, new buildings were erected to house the most promising research institutions, with their own design bureaus and production lines. The High-Tech Park (HTP) has been operating on the site for five years now, being the first of its kind in Belarus and in all of Eastern and Central Europe to specialise in software development. “For B elar us, t his is quite a promising avenue, since it requires no metal, oil or other raw materials — deposits of which we lack or which exist only in small volumes,” explains

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Valery Tsepkalo, who initiated the HTP project and now heads its administration. “Intellect is the major driving force here. At present, over 90 companies work at the Park, employing around 9,500 programmers — a figure comparable to the staff of a large factory, such as the Belarusian Automobile Works. Every year, our economic activity grows by 75-100 percent; in 2010, we exported $200m of goods — up 4-fold on 2005. American and Canadian firms are buying about 40 percent of our output, followed by companies from the European Union. Our partners include the largest corporations and banks from all over the world — like Coca-Cola.”

The state has given its support, with most money spent on infrastructure. The focus is on attracting foreign investors and, to create a favourable micro-climate for them, the HTP has drawn on similar experience from Ireland, Singapore, India, China and elsewhere, with tax preferences for firms operating within the HTP. Each pays reduced VAT and income tax (especially important in the IT sphere). Moreover, the Park offers a range of services for start-up companies, helping with construction of new buildings and giving financial and accounting advice. The major advantage of the HTP is its ability to offer privileges to its

Innovation export companies regardless of their ‘nationality’. It can adapt to new economic c ond it i ons , a l l ow i ng it to f i nd clients and specialists, while offering guidance to young companies, with privileged rental rates for start-ups. Moreover, trips abroad are organised to help firms meet potential customers; Belarusian embassies help the HTP greatly in this respect. “We focus on finding and training specialists,” continues Mr. Tsepkalo. “About 30 laboratories operate at Belarus’ leading universities, with students working on applied tasks to give them valuable experience. By the time they graduate, most of these talented young people have several options for employment. There was a time when our IT graduates felt obliged to seek work abroad but that’s not the case now. The HTP offers interesting and well paid jobs, in addition to the opportunity to perfect foreign languages. About ten percent of working hours are spent on foreign trips. Meanwhile, foreign firms make fewer overtures to poach our specialists. The average age of the High-Tech Park’s staff is 30.” New buildings are now being constructed near the High-Tech Park. These are likely to attract new Belarusian and foreign companies. The example of the High-Tech Park is typical for Belarus, which is steadily following the path of innovative economic development. According to the Deputy Chairman of the State Committee for Science and Technologies of Belarus, Vladimir Nedilko, from 2011-2015 the priority will be given to space, information-communication, bio- and nano-technologies and nuclear energy. “Every year, Belarusian universities train thousands of highly qualified specialists in over 70 areas of information-communication technologies. This owes much to the fact that the country has many firms and organisations involved in the development of software, in addition to companies that use these products. However, the biggest demand comes from abroad,” he says.

A similar point of view is expressed by foreign specialists as well. Among these is the Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union, Hamadoun Touré. Recently, he highly praised the potential of Belarus in the field of high-tech development, as well as our system of technical education. According to Mr Touré, the information society development programmes initiated in Belarus are

Experts consider that, by 2015, the B elarusian IT industry will be able to ensure earnings of at least $7bn a year. This goal is envisaged by a draft national programme for establishing a global software development centre in B elarus in line with global trends; the HighTech Park’s successful development is a good example. Experts consider that, by 2015, the Belarusian IT industry will be able to ensure earnings of at least $7bn a year. This goal is envisaged by a draft national programme for establishing a global software development centre in Belarus. Its authors hope to increase the number of specialists employed in the Belarusian IT industry to 300,000. To implement these plans by 2015, global standards of education and certification would have to be integrated into the system of staff training and re-training. Igor Mamonenko, the Director General of Belarusian BelHard (among the largest domestic

companies), says that it is more profitable to outsource in the initial stages. Currently, one working hour of a Belarusian specialist costs $15. If Belarus launches its own software projects, then this figure would rise to $50, while the volume of our IT industry might exceed $20bn. To a c h i e v e t h e s e a m b i t i o u s goals, Belarusian companies plan to exploit international experience in IT training. For example, the QAI Global Institute (in Orlando, USA) is ready to offer the highest standard of training for IT specialists. Its Head, Thomas Ticknor, recently held a meeting with representatives of Belarus’ Ministries of Communication and Information and Education, during which a memorandum of understanding was signed. In 2011, the American Institute is to train IT specialists, using its own methods. Previously, it had trained 13 Belarusian lecturers who will in turn train others. “We wish to bring not only our technical experience to Belarus, but also knowledge in the field of business process organisation,” explains Mr. Ticknor. By 2015, at least half of Belarus’ GDP should come from high-tech and science intensive products. This expectation was recently voiced by Prime Minister Mikhail Myasnikovich at a session of the National Academy of Sciences’ general meeting. The Academy is to become a catalyst of new innovative processes, such as scitech production. It will launch new large scientific-productive centres — i.e. optics related — to continue the development of fundamental and applied research. By 2015, the National Academy of Sciences’ exports of innovative technologies, equipment and services should reach $300m. State financing of fundamental science will increase simultaneously. All these targets have a common state-level goal: to raise Belarus’ living standards to average European levels by 2015. By Vladimir Bibikov

2011 беларусь.belarus

Resources

Forests behind trees Country has no deficiency of timber

a s t y e a r w a s r at h e r complex for the forest industry; the weather and market situation tested its strength but neither storms nor fire could hamper its profitability. The industry generated three times more revenue than in 2009, while profitability rose by almost a half (to reach 18 percent). On average, each forestry in the country exported $1.1m of

Forest industry mastering professionalism Forester Gennady Zaycev

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products last year, with revenue from selling timber up 1.8 times on 2009. According to the Forestry Ministry, Belarusian timber and wood products enjoyed greatest popularity in Poland, Germany and Lithuania, with sales to another 19 CIS and non-CIS states; about 2m cubic metres were sold. The range of products in demand may soon change abroad, with seeds, planting stock and frozen berries likely to enjoy popularity. However, the Forestry Ministry advises forestries not to focus on such timber exports but to develop tourism, inviting foreigners for forest hiking and eco-themed trips. L ast year, our hunting companies achieved self-sufficiency of funds for the first time,

even making enough money to pay into the public purse. The Forestry Minister, Mikhail Amelyanovich, explains that demand for wood is growing globally, so Belarusian forestries are increasing their stock volumes. In the coming five years, the Ministry plans to substitute ‘traditional’ manual labour with machinery, buying 1,400 various units of multi-operational machinery. By late 2015, at least 70 percent of all domestic felling will be mechanised. Meanwhile, forests need protection. The UN has declared 2011 to be the International Year of Forests. According to the Forestry Ministry, last year, the death of trees rose by almost 60 percent, to total over 11,000 2.5 times more than in 2009). “By 2015, our newly operational wood processing plants and pulp and paper mill will be able to process more timber, giving us a shortfall of over a million cubic metres,” says Mr. Amelyanovich. He believes this is no great problem though as, in the past decade, over 10m cubic metres of woodland has been underused and could be used to replenish stocks. In five years’ time, stocks will grow by another million cubic metres and, by 2020, the situation will stabilise. New factories will certainly have enough raw materials.

Technologies

Red emerald faces The latest technology developed by Belarusian specialists is truly a discovery of global importance, explains Vladimir Merkulov, who heads the Superconducting Physics Materials Laboratory, at the ScientificPractical Centre. He tells us, “For the first time, we can industrially create red emeralds; the first are now ready and are identical to natural stones in their appearance. They are of good quality, keeping their colour and proving strong enough not to be damaged”

Co-ordinates received I from a satellite The State Property Committee has promised that the Republican fine positioning satellite system will become operational by April. From that moment, the work of geodesists in most regions of our country will change, as it will take just 1.5 minutes (instead of several days) for them to receive results from the satellite system, with just 2-3cm of deviation (instead of a couple of metres)

esting of the system began in Minsk Region last summer, with 17 stations receiving signals from the GLONASS (Russia) and GPS (USA) global navigation satellite systems. These are ready to give the exact co-ordinates of any site in Minsk Region at any moment. Sweden has freely allocated 180,000 Euros for the purchase of receivers as part of a joint programme and now the network will be expanded with 15 more stations. “We will install these in large cities and along major highways relying on the principle once used by mobile operators,” explains the Chairman of the State Property Committee, Georgy Kuznetsov. “We plan to completely cover the whole territory of Belarus within two years. In that time, we need to complete the creation of digital maps, to 1: 10 000 scale. To achieve this, we’re going to buy an aerial surveying camera, since we can’t do without it.”

Such information is necessary when conducting geodesic and land-cadastral work, as well as investigations into the design and construction of roads, and laying of pipes and electrical transmission lines. Having exact co-ordinates will considerably accelerate the inventory and registration of supply pipelines, for which land rents need to be calculated. Archaeologists are also among the potential users of the fine positioning satellite system, since they need to fix the exact co-ordinates of places where unique findings are discovered. The new device will enable agriculturists to monitor the work of harvesters and tractors while helping optimise their routes directly on the field. Transport workers will be able to control transportation of hazardous cargoes online and forest workers will be able to clearly see the borders of their lands. In addition, meteorologists will be better able to track the movement of clouds.

n the future, Belarusian red emeralds should occupy a worthy position on the global jewellery market. The first customers are being sought, with marketing work proceeding already. The technology of growing artificial stones is a novelty discovered by Belarusian scientists, with the technique being kept secret. We do know that beryllium oxide is used to grow each stone, being the major component of the ‘recipe’; scientists from different states independently decide which other elements to use and in which proportion, with Belarusian specialists having their own method. The Scientific-Practical Centre has been producing artificial stones for several years, creating emeralds and rubies, which are in great demand domestically and abroad. These artificially grown stones are the equal of natural stones in their optical characteristics and transparency. In fact, they tend to have fewer defects. A natural emerald is a unique and rare stone, with limited deposits on our planet. Foreign experts say that they’ll deplete quicker than oil so, foreign jewellery making companies now prefer synthetic versions.

By Alexander Polovtsev

2011 беларусь.belarus

Cultural freedom

Cultural status brings responsibilities It has been officially announced that Gomel, along with Ulyanovsk in Russia, is the new cultural capitals of the Commonwealth. This new status promises a rich programme of events in both cities over the next ten months, as well as numerous friendly contacts between them

his marks the beginning of another stage in the interstate Cultural Capitals of the Commonwealth programme, initiated by the Council for Humanitarian Co-operation, the Council for Cultural Co-operation and the CIS Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Co-operation. It aims to increase collaboration and expand ties while developing separate territories and cities. The ceremony to present Gomel with its certificates was attended by members of the Belarusian Government, the heads of the CIS Humanitarian Co-

Belta

After reconstruction, the RumyantsevPaskevich Residence embellishes the panorama

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operation Council and the CIS Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Co-operation, as well as representatives of the Russian Culture Ministry, members of the CIS Council of Permanent Plenipotentiary Representatives under Charter and Other Bodies of the Commonwealth and figures from the world of culture and the arts. Gomel is the first cultural capital of the CIS, but not the first cultural capital of Belarus. Last year, the ancient city of Polotsk was the first to bear this honorary title. This year, Gomel, which is celebrating its 870th anniversary next year, has taken over the ‘cultural baton’ and attained the inter-state status. Gomel recently hosted celebrations marking its honorary status while fes-

tivals in Ulyanovsk are only just now being scheduled. Both cities have been doing much to reflect their new role. The opening of the exhibition of works by People’s Artiste of the USSR, Vitold Byalynitsky-Birulya, at RumyantsevPaskevich Residence was one of the first cultural events. Around 160 cultural events of various kinds are planned in Gomel between now and the end of the year. The biggest events include the Student Shlyager Contest of Vocal and Instrumental Ensembles, the Golden Lynx Ballroom Dance Competition, the Music of Hope International Children’s Contest and the Slavonic Theatrical Meetings International Festival. This is not a complete list, as many events are still under discussion. The opening of the Belarusian-Italian Beehive

Cultural freedom creative centre for young people is expected to become a wonderful source of inspiration: a factory of ideas. It’ll be a creative laboratory for implementing the boldest and most unusual ideas, situated at the crossroads of genres, sciences and branches. There are hopes that the International Sozhski Karagod Festival of Choreography, held in Gomel since 1997, will receive a new breath of life. This time, repre-

country’s leading cultural centres, traditionally hosting plenty of festivals, contests, exhibitions and concerts. Much attention is being devoted there to the development of professional and amateur arts.” Gomel’s geographical location also played a role, being situated where the borders of Belarus, Russia and Ukraine meet. Such cultural neighbours can’t but influence the general way of life in the city.

The opening of the Belarusian-I talian Beehive centre for young people is to become a wonderful source of inspiration sentatives of various genres are to take part, including dance troupes of various kinds, ice dance and even a mime show. Moreover, citizens and all those interested will be invited to make proposals regarding the celebrations and to contribute to the formation of the image of their cultural capital by contributing ideas with regard to everything from fountain design to beach development. Belarus’ Culture Minister, Pavel Latushko, explained why Gomel has become the cultural capital of the CIS and Belarus, “This is one of the

The Chairman of Gomel City Executive Committee, Victor Pilipets, hopes to exploit the new opportunities to the utmost. He notes, “We won’t be a formal capital, as everyone will soon find out.” Mr. Latushko guaranteed overall support, saying that, “The most vital thing about the status of cultural capital is that those living in small towns have the right to the same benefits as Minskers. Therefore, our goal is to display the leading musical bands, theatres and other creative powers of the country. Moreover, it’s vital to intensify the domestic cultural life of the

city and to encourage residents to become more involved in cultural projects. It’s vital to show inside the country and abroad that Gomel is a large cultural centre while promoting the development of international and inter-cultural contacts in any possible way.” According to Mr. Latushko, material and technical provision for Gomel will be ensured by the national and local budgets. “In late 2011, we’ll bring definite results and figures,” promises the Minister. “This will refer to how many sites have been renovated, which new cultural institutions were established and which were restored. This is the first such project for us and it’s especially vital for us to organise everything to a high level. In future, we’ll rely on our accumulated experience. I hope this campaign will have a long future.” Irina Kotova, Minister for Art and Cultural Policy in Ulyanovsk Region, didn’t conceal during her visit to Gomel her hopes for future joint projects. She invited her Belarusian colleagues to take part in Ulyanovsk’s competitions, which are to start soon, offering great monetary prizes and grants. In line with the Cultural Capitals of the Commonwealth programme, the status of cultural capital is transient. It is hoped that, alongside Belarus and Russia, the programme will include other CIS members. Representatives of Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Armenia also attended the award ceremony in Gomel. By Igor Ivanov

2011 беларусь.belarus

History

Renovated image of our heritage challenging projects soon to be initiated by renovators

e’ll begin our excursion with Mir Castle, registered on U N E S C O ’s World Heritage List. After many years of restoration, it appears again in all its beauty. Powerful walls and huge towers have always attracted numerous tourists; now their number is sure to rise several-fold. Lida stands a hundred kilometres away, known for its ancient castle, which has also survived wars and destruction. It has long awaited restorers’ attention and is now undergoing huge change. In 2010, the castle’s second tower was reconstructed and the courtyard, surrounded by 2m wide stone walls, was paved with cobbles. To allow access upstairs, comfortable wooden galleries have been made for tourists. Restoration of the ancient castle, which is only now returning to its former glory, continues. However, this spring, it will host an international knights’ tournament, with dozens of teams invited from around the world. The Old Castle in Grodno is another ‘pearl’ of ancient Belarusian architecture. This defensive structure is the country’s only former royal castle, now housing a regional history and

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archaeology museum. Daily, over a hundred visitors f rom throughout Belarus visit the site, alongside foreign guests. Why does it draw visitors… Perhaps

because its history is filled with mystery and romantic legends. Downward from the castle is the Nieman River quay, offering wonderful views from its banks. Tourists must walk several hundred metres along St arozam kovaya Street to reach the walls of the Old Castle, which was built in the 11th c e n t u r y, w h e r e the Nieman and Gorodnichanka rivers meet. A century later, the fortress became a princely residence: a two storey ‘terem’ (palace) and church were built at that time. According to the Ipatievskaya Chronicle, in the second half of the 13th century, the Castle was made from hewn timber, with firing grounds and the approach to the entrance protected by a high stone tower. A new page in the history of Grodno Castle is c on ne c te d w it h t he Great Duke of Lithuania, Vy t aut as . In 1 3 9 8 , he constructed a Gothic castle with five towers, made from stone and brick, which later became known as ‘Stary’ (Old). It was

Past surrounded by 2m wide walls along the perimeter and stood until 1580, when it was reconstructed for the King of the Rzecz Pospolita, Stefan Batory. The Renaissance-style two storey palace boasted true abundance of decoration. After Stefan Batory, the Old Castle was greatly damaged during various wars. It was restored in 1678, yet failed to achieve its previous royal ‘gloss’. In 1920, the first museum exhibits appeared inside. It now requires a long-term restoration but architects have failed to agree upon which historical period should dominate. Grodno engineer Igor Adasik proposes that the Old Castle be restored to its appearance from the days of Duke Vytautas. His model, made from cardboard and glue, took six months to create (scaled down 500 times). Historians from Yanka Kupala Grodno University provided him with essential information. Having seen the model, I can vouch for its impressiveness. We can only hope that Mr. Adasik’s decision will be approved by the experts. Out trip around the castles of Grodno Region would be incomplete without seeing the ruins of Novogrudok’s ancient castle. Even these are impressive. It seems hardly possible to completely restore it, but it surely needs conservation. Architects are likely to choose the castle in Golshany for reconstruction, although only its grand brick walls remain. This once magnificent castle was praised by the Belarusian literary genius Vladimir Korotkevich, in his Black Castle of Olshany. However, the ruins attract numerous tourists, whose imagination helps them ‘add’ missing elements and picture its rooms with inhabitants. It’s said that ancient ruins preserve the energy of the past, which awakens the imagination of all who visit. When I’m here, I’m always keen to embrace the atmosphere of the past, which is familiar to me from Grodno Region history. Additionally, the castles in Krevo, Lyubcha and Geraneny (in Grodno Region) are to receive funding for restoration, reconstruction and conservation. By Iosif Popko

Graffiti from the past Nine century old inscriptions preserved on church walls of Convent of the Saviour and St. Yevfrosiniya in Polotsk

olotsk is a unique city, as proven by its 12th-17th century graffiti. Researchers knew about the inscriptions on the walls of the Saviour Transfiguration Church back in the 19th century. However, these were later covered by paintings. It was only on clearing them that the graffiti reappeared. Restorer Vladimir Rakitsky began revealing the ancient frescoes and graffiti in the 1990s and, since 2006, a team of artists and restorers have been involved, headed by Vladimir Sarabiyanov. The triangular altar and cell of St. Yevfrosiniya have been completely cleared, with around a hundred graffiti inscriptions disclosed; they are now being analysed and a book on them is to be released this autumn. Alongside the usual forms of graffiti, there are some scrawlings of a household nature, while others chronicle events. The author of at least three inscriptions is thought to be a nun by the name

of Silyavina, a widow from the famous boyar Silyav family. In medieval times, widows from noble families would often retire to a convent upon the death of the head of their family, after their children had fully grown. Two chronicle inscriptions, founded on the altar, tell us that the church kept records from year to year. The first inscription notes the death of the Polish King and Grand Duke of Lithuania, Casimir, in 1492; it goes on to tell of the accession to the throne of his son, Alexander, and his visit to Polotsk in 1497. The second inscription, recently uncovered, describes the death of three members of the Vasilievichi boyar family in 1492 — one of the oldest branches of Polotsk’s ancient Korsak family. P o l o t s k’s graffiti is a true revelation for historians, allowing them to make up for the lack of written sources on the history of Belarus. By Igor Zalipov

2011 беларусь.belarus

Heritage

Island of a V disappeared civilisation

The Vetka Museum hosts memorable books of 16th-17th century

беларусь.belarus 2011

Belta

17th century customs preserved in Vetka

etka, situated not far f rom G om e l , i s an unusual town: from ancient times, it has been inhabited by Russians rather than Belarusians. Moreover, local people are Old Believers rather than Orthodox (who otherwise prevail in the district). Old Believers came here in the 17th century when Moscow expelled them and Belarus became their new homeland. Old Believers lived not only in Vetka but also in the neighbouring villages which belonged to the Khaletsky and Krasilsky families. Historians say that a centre of Old Believers existed from ancient times, covering Vetka and Starodub. Taking advantage of the religious tolerance shown by the authorities and the nobility of Belarus (which Russia lacked then), Vetka attracted tens of thousands of Old Believers who wished to experience ‘Vetka-style freedom’. The influence of Vetka’s culture spread to the Old Believers’ settlements in Moldova and Western Ukraine, with local residents establishing close contacts with the Don Cossacks who were also Old Believers. Vetka’s monasteries and numerous monastic cells were centres of book writing, with several schools operating in the town. That the town has preserved its thousand year old Old Russian culture is considered unique by historians. The head guardian of the Vetka Museum of Folk Art, Svetlana Leontieva, has devoted many years to studying this culture, even winning a diploma for the ‘Best Master’s Thesis of 2010’ in the annual national contest to judge the best scientific papers. Her work is devoted to the art of 18th to early 20th century manuscripts of Vetka. The history of Vetka’s book culture has previously attracted the attention of historians from different countries but has not been studied in detail. Book collectors and Old Believers concentrated on the unique examples of traditional hand-written works and examples of old-style printing that

Information terminal proliferated in this area and which were the basis of the local style of manuscript decoration. Since the mid1980s, Ms. Leontieva has been studying Vetka’s book culture, researching almost a thousand hand-written books and examples of old-style printing from the Vetka Museum, the National Library of Belarus and the museums of Chernigov and Novozybkovo. As a result of her research, she discovered 36 new masters who had transcribed books, inventing in the process a ‘Vetka style of manuscript decoration’ and a ‘Vetka ornament of manuscripts’. The collected material fully reveals the ancient process of book making, including writing and decoration. The Vetka Museum of Folk Art is unique in the world, boasting an incredible collection from the Old Believers’ culture. It has over a hundred 16th to 19th century manuscripts, 590 old printed artefacts (including works by Ivan Fiodorov, Piotr Mstislavets, Vasily Garaburda, Onisim Radishevsky, from Belarusian, Ukrainian and Moscow printing houses in the 16th to 18th century). The museum is situated in Krasnaya (Red) Square, in the mansion which belonged to the merchant Groshikov and which is a 19th century architectural monument. Its collection is based on the artefacts gathered by local lover of ancient art, Fiodor Shklyarov, all of which have their own history. Among them are archaeological finds, items relating to 19th century Belarusian weaving (eg famous Neglyubka rushniks, women’s clothes, wall carpets an d or n am e nt a l

boards), pictures and ceramics. Old local arts and crafts are also exhibited here, such as wood carving, sculpture, furniture, dishware, and items made of straw and osier. Copper dishware and samovars are also on display. In its many years of operation, this art museum has turned into a true regional centre of research into traditional culture. No doubt, a trip to Vetka and Vetka District would be interesting for all those who are curious about the unique civilisation of the Old Believers and the history of folk crafts and customs. Local residents have even developed a special programme for tourists, including a folk festival featuring a local teller of fairytales. Standing in the city square, he uses simple language to narrate stories about the Old Believers and their traditions. In addition, visitors can listen to a bell ringing concert in the village of Khalch. For their part, the villages of Kazatskie Bolsuny (50km from Vetka) and Yanovo (30km) are host to an interesting folk custom: ‘Burial of an Arrow’. This event closes the spring holiday and takes place on the 40th day after Easter. People dance and sing and afterwards they bury an arrow which symbolises the end of spring and the beginning of summer. Travellers to Vetka should note that the local hotel is being renovated so staying in Gomel would be the best option. By Viktar Andrejeu

Facts  Modern Vetka is a district centre, with a population of 8,000.

It is situated 22km from Gomel (which was named the cultural capital of Belarus and CIS this year). A famous state figure of the USSR, diplomat Andrey Gromyko, was born in the area.

 History brought to life Archaeological museum-laboratory opens at Gomel State University

he museum has two halls, exhibiting numerous artefacts gathered by the History Department’s teachers and students du r i n g arc h a e o l o gical internships and scientific expeditions. These fully reflect the history of Gomel Region: from the Palaeolithic Age to modern times. This south-eastern region of the country is unique in that the most ancient Belarusian settlements from the Stone Age have been found there: near the village of Berdyzh, in Chechersk District, and in Yurovichi, in Kalinkovichi District. The museum is also home to stone axes from the Bronze Age, medieval amulets from bone and metal and antique ceramics. Its displays should help educate schoolchildren keen to learn about the history of their native region.

 Cultural ties strengthen Club of the Belarusian language lovers to appear in Kiev

he Centre of the Belarusian Language and Culture opened at Kiev National University’s Philology Institute eighteen months ago (as part of Belarus-Ukraine bilateral cooperation in the sphere of higher education). It immediately began receiving calls from city residents requesting language courses and decided to allocate a special building for this purpose. Once a week, it hosts lectures in Belarusian, attracting listeners of all age groups.

2011 беларусь.belarus

Artpersonality

The winding path of an artist’s destiny Glass painter Tatiana Malysheva brings a nostalgic mood to her images, inspired by her own perception of life

er compositions at the University of Culture Art Gallery in Minsk perfectly reflect her personal artistic philosophy. Her Family Legacy was conceived as a holistic piece. To be precise, her creations interpret her recollections, and bring them to life through various materials Originally, she studied to become a decorator but after many years of creative effort Ms. Malysheva has become a specialist in ceramics and glass. “I was brought up on my parents’ recollections of the four long years of struggle during the war,” recalls Ms. Malysheva. “The ideas of patriotism, duty, honour comradeship and loyalty to one’s Fatherland have deep meaning for me. These aren’t merely vague notions, but a fundamental moral faith. My parents were called to the front at a very young age to fight fascism, from the beginning of the war to the end, and were lucky to survive. The war prevented them from fulfilling their potential. My sister and I inherited their love of drawing, music and literature. For our family, Victory Day — marking the liberation of Belarus — has always been a great event, encompassing a military parade, reunions with fellow soldiers and honouring dead friends. My parents were decorated with 17 orders and medals. This sense of holiday, joy and pride in one’s country

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has endured my whole life and many of my glass works reflect this feeling.” In her images, she has reflected ideas of loyalty to one’s homeland — or patriotism — as well as honour and comradeship. Many of the exhibited works reflect a joyful, festive mood, along with pride in one’s country. “I often study exhibitions at the History Museum and the Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War,

competition. Sometimes, technical progress ‘overloads’ them as they try to make a name for themselves in art. As a result, their work becomes non-expressive, without underlying thought. Only the talented and gifted can break through the high-tech web to surprise us with their archaic or naïve style. Only later do we begin to understand that everything is as it should be.

Tatiana Malysheva is a master of decorative art and can easily create any image. For example, she has ‘locked’ fire into clear geometric forms that resemble diamonds. This work is at the National Art Museum of Belarus. Her large multi-coloured red, white and blue piece, entitled Festive Vases, is based on architectural principles learning about memorable dates, which will forever be part of the history of civilisation,” muses Ms. Malysheva. “Details of the harsh things that happened at the front are highly significant for me. I’d like to create a memorial out of soldiers’ canteens and mugs, and use ribbons and medals to decorate it.” Her artistic technique allows her to re-create any photo on nickel chrome foil, placed between sheets of glass. Her huge dish at the show has ‘stained glass medals’ inspired by her parents’ medals and orders: their legacy. It’s not easy for contemporary painters to make their own path; they have to prove themselves against the stiffest

Of course, Tatiana Malysheva is a master of decorative art and can easily create any image. For example, she has ‘locked’ fire into clear geometric forms that resemble diamonds. This work is at the National Art Museum of Belarus. Her large multi-coloured red, white and blue piece, entitled Festive Vases, is based on architectural principles. What determined your path in art? What influenced your decisions? I’ve been drawing since I was five. As far back as I can remember, I was always drawing something. Since we lived in garrisons and remote areas, where there was not much cultural life, I was primarily self-taught and always used any oppor-

Artpersonality You’ve managed to fulfil your potential in this profession. What is the most creatively stimulating aspect of the work? I became keen on glass when I was a second year student and did an internship at Neman Glassworks, where I first tried my hand at making items from glass. My final paper was devoted to stained glass windows. After that, I wanted to work at the Neman Glassworks and become completely engaged in glass making. I left my wellestablished life in Minsk and spent 1 3 y e ar s i n Berezovka. A special attraction of our

work is that you don’t know yourself what the result will be. Sometimes we sit and watch master craftsmen at work. If something they are working on goes wrong, they throw it away, but we may notice that the piece is very interesting and can be polished and improved. Then we sit and imagine what it could be like. We go back to the craftsmen and have them take another look at the piece. They think it strange that what they considered to be defective and a waste could have an experimental significance for us. Gradually, they become involved too and begin to prompt us with their own ideas, creating an endless symbiosis. We became good friends with them. Finally, a complete set of glassware appears and everyone is surprised at how it happened. Of course, it’s the result of sleepless nights and constant, dissatisfied searching… Why did you decide to leave your flat in the capital and go to Berezovka? Where is Berezovka? Berezovka is situated in Grodno Region, between Lida and Novogrudok. Everything happened because of my great passion for glass. Being a second year student at the institute I saw what could be made from glass and almost ‘fell in love’ with this wonderful material. We spent a summer at the Neman Glassworks and it was a true paradise. However, when I moved there I had a few problems. I had to rent a flat and my would-be husband had to go to Berezovka with me. Yevgeny Votkovsky was a very famous lover of books and book collector, as well as a metal engineer. He also spent some wonderful times there, visiting all the bookstores on his bicycle and collecting ancient coins. I was realising myself in art, while he read his collection of books. Experiments with glass are a symbiosis of creativity and hard work, aren’t they? Yes, getting an item of glass into the desired shape is undoubtedly hard work. My life changed drastically. I had to wake up at 6am to start blowing at 7am. The factory had a schedule and our workers had to work to that schedule. I had to arrive by 7am Alex ander Stodub

tunity to improve myself. We moved to Minsk when I was in the eighth grade, and it was fabulous, although I was a little bit worried. Two years later I tried to enter the Theatre and Art Institute’s Graphics Department. At that time, I couldn’t imagine that the Decorative and Applied Art Department even existed. However, I failed and became involved in ceramics and glass instead. Glass immediately became very important to me, involving a great deal of effort to create the shapes that I was looking for. Glasswork is a noble profession — the work is hard, yet very delicate. Glass factories are usually located in small towns, which, as a result, always boast dynasties of master craftsmen. This also adds some particular charm to our profession.

Glass painter Tatiana Malysheva and her hand-made images

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Artpersonality and bring some creative ideas and watch to see whether the master craftsmen could create what I had in mind. We had an irregular working day and could sometimes work in the workshops until 10pm. It was a hard job for me. Moreover, all our pieces were sent to exhibitions, so we had to copy them endlessly. The exhibitions took place in Moscow, Minsk, Leningrad, Grodno and Lithuania. We had to copy everything. If we saw any mistakes, they had to be fixed. At the same time as copying the old pieces, I was also creating new ones. It was very difficult. I had to concentrate, lead a healthy lifestyle and visit exhibitions, as did other master craftsmen throughout the Baltic States, Leningrad and Moscow. This was during Soviet times and we had an allUnion Art Council each year, which usually took place at a factory in Yerevan, Vladimir or Gus Khrustalny. The Neman Glassworks hosted the Council twice in 13 years. It brought together artists, who brought their best works created over the year and presented them at the allUnion Art Council, which consisted of the most prominent artists and famous art experts from throughout the Soviet Union. They examined our works and made their remarks and assessments. Then the ‘Decorative Art’ journal would write articles about the event. It was a huge endeavour and we put much effort and soul into it. However, we also received much in return; we went on many business trips and now I am very familiar with all of our large cities and exhibition halls. The search for new techniques, textures and methods has gradually brought Tatiana Malysheva to her individual style. One of her favourite works — Architectonics — is inspired by her observation of rain drops. They fly, fall and finally reach the surface, producing big and small spirals. This artwork also uses primarily architectural principles, with seven shades of colour honouring the richest palette at the Neman Glassworks. Are you concerned about current processes? Are they developing in the

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same direction as you? Or are things different now? This year, I visited the factory in Berezovka twice, as I had a state scholarship. The state pays a specific sum of money to us for our experiments and trips. During my visits, I observed the situation at the plant attentively and was, frankly speaking, greatly upset. The furnaces we used, which were built by outstanding Lithuanian artists, were no longer there. We also had small furnaces upstairs, where we could spend day and night working with the glass. They no longer exist. Are there enough master glassblowers? Or do we need to blow new life into the process today!? It’s a very complex question and I don’t even know how to answer it. Beautiful glass items are still made, but the market is saturated, so few people buy glass objects nowadays, unless they are exclusive and particularly delicate. So, today, we only have two groups of master glassblowers, working for the art salon, Steklo (Glass) company store. Yes, there are still third generation glassblowers around, but today the Neman Glassworks has to manufacture glass wool to earn sufficient money to save the factory. Beautiful glass items are being bought, aren’t they? They are still popular now… Glass is wonderful, when it’s created by an artist. However, when it’s mass produced, the artist can’t always follow the whole process and errors and faults may occur. As a result, the finished item isn’t the one conceived by the artist, but an item with technical faults. The UK continues to place orders in our country; the British appreciate colourless glass with clear contemporary forms. There are a number of other orders, enabling the factory to stay afloat. Some true artists have stayed on, preferring to continue working regardless of everything. In particular, Galina Sidarovich has worked at the Neman Glassworks for 30 years and has developed plenty

of interesting forms. There are also young master craftsmen: husbands and wives, who continue to participate in exhibitions. I’d say that artistic enthusiasm is still high. There is a new generation of master glassblowers coming up, isn’t there? Can we say today that a Belarusian school of art glass exists and, if so, how does it compare to other schools? When I began working at the factory, we had two graduates from Leningrad, two from Moscow and one from Estonia. I — coming from the Belarusian school — blended into this mixed group. It was rather hard during the first two years, but, through self-improvement and self-development, things got easier. Now, I believe that was the golden epoch of glass making. Within two years, I felt that I could work for myself and that I had both feet on the ground. The Belarusian school paid a lot of attention to drawing, painting and good artistic training. I was keen on drawing and painting, which enabled me to rank amongst artists from famous Moscow and Leningrad (as it was then) glass schools. Olga

Tatiana Malysheva's exposition at the exhibition at the University of Culture Art Gallery in Minsk did not lack attention

Artpersonality Sazykina and Galya Sidorevich came after me and then our students followed. They are now all working successfully. The notion of ‘our school’ has perhaps lost its meaning these days, since we are all contemporary European painters. You have a section at the Belarusian Union of Artists, don’t you? Last year, I was a secretary and now I’m working at the bureau. I make glass exhibits, which is easy for me. After a hundred exhibitions I believe I can make a wonderful exhibit from almost everything. Do you feel that you could help, with your advice and knowledge, those who would like to develop these ideas? Do you feel the need to teach? During the thirteen years I spent at the Neman Glassworks, several students used to visit us each spring. They came from Armenia, the Baltic States, Leningrad, Moscow and Minsk. I tried to pass on my experience over a space of two months, which was the amount of time the students had to prepare a term paper or final paper. We

helped many students and even now I help as much as I can. For example, Lena Atrashkevich, who teachers at the Academy of Arts, recently organised the first international glass-blowing s y mp o s iu m at t h e Ne m an Glassworks. Twenty-four artists attended, including seven from Minsk. One came from Hungary, two from Lithuania and two from Latvia. Several

at the exhibition represented my creative portfolio. It proved that the scholarship wasn’t spent in vain, but led to the realisation of several projects. It’s very pleasant to receive praise and I can now show my pieces at exhibitions all year long. Her talent comes easily today and she shares her experience with students. She is also a scholarship holder,

Alexander Stodub

Her talent comes easily today and she shares her experience with students. She is also a scholarship holder, having received an award from the state (paid to the most talented artists). Her current exhibition is a portfolio of the past year ’s achievements master craftsmen came from Leningrad, and some represented the Moscow school. During the symposium we got on well and had the opportunity to work with the craftsmen, capturing the process on film. Each of us had half a day to work with the craftsmen. Can you imagine that we were able to bring to life within just four hours that which had taken several months to prepare? We then had a final exhibition, which is now showing in Grodno and which will move to Polotsk before returning to the Modern Fine Arts Museum in Minsk by September. The exhibition at the University of Culture Art Gallery in Minsk was a great event for me. I made every effort in order to prove that applied art is not inferior to fine art. We are just as able to draw and are aware of composition. This is reflected in the noble material, glass. We were able to exhibit our artworks in a wonderful gallery, which had plenty of light. My own composition was at the centre of the exhibition. In sum, this was an exhibition of last year’s scholarship holders and my pieces

having received an award from the state (paid to the most talented artists). Her current exhibition is a portfolio of the past year’s achievements. The scholarship has had an impact on her future career, providing money for materials and equipment, allowing her to achieve her creative goals. Tatiana is grateful to the state for this support. She has gained in confidence and will be able to think of the future, making her dreams a reality. What are your plans? I’ve taken on a new project, devoted to Mir Castle. My favourite technique is nickel chrome foil, whose coefficient of expansion is equal to that of glass, in which you use a graphic pencil for drawing. I once drew a portrait of my parents on foil and placed medals between glass sheets. I have selected images of the castle, drawn them and created huge dishes, which are on show at the exhibition, entitled ‘Minsk Castle — Yesterday and Today’. After Mir Castle, Nesvizh Castle will be undergoing restoration. I’d like to collect images of Nesvizh and make souvenirs from them. You’re trying to link the past, the present and the future in this way? Yes, I’m trying. By Victor Kharkov

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Life style

Penetrant look Vyacheslav Bondarenko explores the history of our people and our country

ot long ago, he was known as a radio DJ and music critic in Belarus and Russia but then he appeared on TV as a talk show host. On top of that, Vyacheslav has for several years been secretly writing about 19th-century literature and the history of WWI. His papers have now been published and appear regularly in Minsk and Moscow. Europeans have also become acquainted with this historian, who studied philology at University. How does one man cope with so many roles? Mr. Bondarenko speaks about his manysided career: Art is as essential to me as air. Does publishing literary papers bring enough money to pay for food, clothes and travelling? As regards finances, I’m satisfied with the money I’m paid for my books and papers, which is sufficient to allow me to travel. How do you find time to write so much and work on radio and TV? Can you describe your usual working day? My days are diverse and very busy with filming and working on scripts. Of course, I do my best to devote as much time as possible to my family. Sadly, I don’t meet friends as often as I would wish as I have a very tough schedule. You once mentioned that little is said about the history of WWI in Belarus, although you have published several books on the topic. Why is it necessary to speak about a war that took place a century ago? My interest in WWI began with a photo of my great-grandfather. At his graduation from Military College he was photographed for his relatives in a new uniform and, several days later, he

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went to the frontline. In my childhood I often asked my parents about the strange young man depicted in the photo and about his uniform but they hesitatingly replied that it was the uniform of a railway worker. So I had to grow up quickly to conduct my own research. That photo has become the most precious in my collection. My archive now consists of numerous photos, some of them worthy of being exhibited in a museum. Some photos I’ve inherited, while others were bought or given to me. Each time I look at a photo and see a person whom nobody knows any longer, I feel my heart misses a beat. I then wish desperately to take this photo and warm it in my hands — as if it were a chick that had fallen from its nest. I don’t know what it is that moves me — probably the same impulse that makes people want to take care of abandoned graves. There are no political dividends to be gained from that war n ow. It’s f ar

of our countrymen participating in the war reached just 400. Four regiments of Minskers fought against the Turks on the Caucasian frontline, while many worked in businesses which had been evacuated from Belarus deep into Russia and Ukraine. I consider it my duty to preserve the memory of these people. You’ve also written a number of books about the history of Minsk. I have read that the capital of Belarus still has many places related not only to the deeds of underground workers from WWII, but also WWI. Tell us please what you’ve discovered recently. A building opposite the British Embassy, at 34 Karl Marx Street, housed a command staff of the Western Front. The commandant worked there. Initially, that was Alexey Evert who was a military leader of little talent but with a sure-fire tactic: he spent his entire time in Minsk and constantly asked for help. In June and July of 1917,

My archive now consists of numerous photos, some of them worthy of being exhibited in a museum. Some photos I’ve inherited, while others were brought or given to me, Each time I a look at a photo and see a person whom nobody knows any longer, I feel my heat misses a beat from being as significant as WWII or a struggle for independence… And yet, the heroes of WWI defended the Russian Empire. These were our grandfathers and great-grandfathers… Among the military pilots there were 27 Belarusians, although the total number

Lieutenant General Anton Denikin commanded the Western Front. He was a landmark personality in the history of Russia and Europe. We also know an interesting fact related to the Europe Hotel. During the years of WWI, it was one of Minsk’s

Life style

Vyachslav Bondarenko is proud of his unique collection of old photos

hotspots. The Russian Empire had a dry law, which dictated that alcohol could be sold in Category One restaurants only — which meant the Europe Hotel. This is a respectable hotel now but I think its guests would be interested to know about its past. There is a monument to a WWI officer in the centre of Minsk. At that time, the man was known as Konstantin Mitskevich but, later, he became the People’s Poet of Belarus — Yakub Kolas. After the war he left the army and became a teacher. He did not like to remember the war. This year, Belarus is celebrating a sad date: the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the Great Patriotic War. Last year, you produced a film about this period in our history — Hero-Cities. This suggests that your interest goes further than WW1 only, is that right? The last world war greatly influenced the fate of Belarus. However, it was fought not only in our country but also in hero-cities all over the former Soviet Union. Our film crew

visited each of these hero-cities. In Volgograd, we wondered how its residents survived during the Battle of Stalingrad. The staff of the huge local military museum was unable to answer our question clearly. Nobody had shown any interest before. We had to study the archive documents and found out that a strict law operated in Stalingrad. According to that law, all those who looted property from abandoned homes were executed. We found lists of people who had been executed; among them were many housewives and teenagers. We made dozens of similar discoveries in each city. Some cities were true martyrs because the war destroyed them completely — for example, Kerch (only 30 people remained there at the time of its liberation). I’m impressed most of all by our Brest Fortress. It can be appreciated best in solitude and silence, on a cool grey day. However, in 1941, this was a hot spot of the war when Soviet soldiers fearlessly defended it against the fascists for a long time.

The war is a theme that is now widely used in tourism. Do you view this as a promising development? This type of tourism has always been well developed in Belarus. Many of our tourist sites are war memorials — Khatyn, the Mound of Glory, Brest Fortress, Stalin’s Line and Buynichi Field near Mogilev. We could also bring back to life the sites of the knights’ battles from the time of Vitautas, as well as the early 18th-century Northern War, the 1812 Napoleonic campaign and, of course, WWI. What has pushed you — a restless researcher — to start writing and to host a TV programme? To be accurate, I now combine writing with my work on radio and TV. I always want to try something new. I am not interested in standing still. Do you consider yourself to be a public figure since you appear on TV and radio or would you prefer to keep your face inside the covers of your books? I hope TV audiences will appreciate my work. As regards my books, I think the best of them are yet to be written. By Viktar Korbut

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Theatrenames

Feeling comfortable in her profession Valentina Yerenkova, one of only a few women theatre directors, has no intention of trying to prove to anyone that a woman’s stage direction is worthwhile or better than a man’s direction. Striving for self-improvement in the profession, she continues to work at her home theatre, Maxim Gorky National Academic Drama Theatre. As a rule, there is always a full house at Valentina’s performances

e had agreed last summer to meet immediately after the opening night of E s f i r, b as e d on a play by Russian writer, Lyudmila Ulitskaya. Busy schedules intervened, however, and we managed to talk only recently. Nevertheless, all the impressions I had formed of the deeply psychological play remained with me. What surprised me most in Yerenkova? I had previously thought that I understood Valentina’s style as an avowed amateur of theatre that is saturated with music, dance and song. I understood her style to be a mix of stunning innovations mixed with art nouveau, avant-garde and even impenetrable rebuses. But take for example Valentina’s staging of Arthur Kopit’s Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma’s Hanged You in the Closet and I’m Feelin’ So Sad at the Maxim Gorky Theatre, a piercing, exciting performance in which dialogue predominates over song and dance. It was so different to her previous work that I even wondered whether Valentina was the director, but during the interval I opened the theatre programme to check the name of the director. Sure enough, Esfir, which is always sold out, was indeed staged by my old friend from the Minsk Youth Theatre, where I used to work as a teacher.

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During our conversation at the editor’s office, I suddenly recalled another play — one of Valentina’s first experiences in stage direction — Jorge Amado’s The Swallow and the Tom Cat. This legendary play of the early 1980s and beyond was the talk of the entire city. The performance was inscribed into the history of Belarusian theatre as an extraordinary event in the theatre world. It was performed on the steps of the large marble staircase of the youth theatre, which served as a small stage,

theatre’s foyer by storm. I recall the happy faces of those who managed to get to the opening night. It was an outstanding labour of love, both in terms of the direction and of the actors’ performances. Thirty years have passed since then. Valentina Yerenkova has directed dozens of plays at different stages in Belarus and abroad, and has become a respected director known for her innovative work. Valentina’s professionalism is endless; she is still seeking out new genres, believing that the process of mastering something

“I am deeply confident that in any profession we shouldn’t try to outdo men, to prove that we are more skilful or stronger. M an is like a rock that breaks the wave on its way to the beach. M an is always ahead owing to his nature of a defender. Therefore, it is wiser to step back and let him be in front of you.” while the theatre’s foyer, with a capacity of no more than 60 persons, was the auditorium. The performance was attended by the majority of the actors working at the Minsk theatre, as well as by university students and members of the public. I remember well the stir around the performance and how difficult it was to hold back the crowd trying to take the

new not only keeps the director creatively fresh, but also enriches her. A recent staging of The Bridegrooms based on Nikolay Gogol’s play proves it. She is now working on James Goldman’s Lion In Winter. Valentina, tell us about your path to the theatre. Who inspired you to join this profession?

Theatrenames same time, I started teaching. Afterwards, I spent two years working as the director of the Youth Theatre, later enrolling as Mark Zakharov’s intern at Moscow Lenkom. Only after my internship did I return to the Maxim Gorky Theatre and gradually start to produce my own plays. I am very grateful to the theatre’s chief director Boris

Lutsenko who taught me how to survive in the theatre. Woman-director… Are these two notions compatible? They are compatible, just like woman and politics, or woman and state management. As a child, I greatly admired Indira Gandhi. For me she was a legendary woman, a standard of sublimity, the incarnation of some secret. Over the years, when I was already in school, I realised the

Ivan Zhdanovich

My decision was predetermined by my father, a former military man who survived the Second World War. He welcomed my choice when I entered the Actors and Stage Direction Faculty of the Belarusian Theatre and Arts Institute (today known as the Academy of Arts). Although my family lived in a small Ukrainian town in Dnepropetrovsk region, my father supported every stage of my professional development by reading specialist literature. He read Stanislavsky, asked me millions of questions, and we even argued with each other just to prove a point. He visited me frequently in Minsk, where we went together to the theatre and, after the play, we would analyse it. After graduation, our entire class went to Bobruisk where I worked for two years. It didn’t turn out to be as romantic as I had imagined it in Minsk. But I was young and very determined to establish our own theatre in Belarus, a theatre that would be better than Moscow Sovremennik. Our class was formed with the intention of creating a new theatre. I remember that we even swore not to betray our high ideals of serving Melpomena, honestly telling each other who was fit to work in the profession and who was not. We thought that by creating a new theatre we would surprise not only Belarus but also the entire world. Our class was very talented, many wellknown names in the theatre world today are class alumni. Unfortunately, the idea of the new theatre did not come to fruition. After Bobruisk I went to the Maxim Gorky Theatre where I worked as an actress for 6 years and, later, I went to work for my classmate, Yury Mironenko, who was then the director at the Youth Theatre. The repertoire of the youth theatre didn’t allow me to express myself fully. A lack of appealing roles pushed me towards stage direction. At the

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Theatrenames magnitude of the responsibility that goes along with leadership. It is a well-known fact that any management structure requires strong personalities. And people are very different. In the theatre, the potential for confrontation is greater. On one hand, you have to work with the text of the author’s play, his or her philosophy, tastes and vision of life as reflected in the heroes’ characters. On the other hand, you have to deal with actors, with the production team and with distribution, which also depends on many different people. Therefore, I always say that a woman-director is like the president of a small country. But the woman-director also has family, a home. A woman’s duty to maintain her family’s home comforts has not been eliminated, no matter how little time she has. It is in our nature. I am deeply confident that in any profession we shouldn’t try to outdo men, to prove that we are more skilful or stronger. Man is like a rock that breaks the wave on its way to the beach. Man is always ahead owing to his nature of

The ideal man — the prince — is inevitably brought up by a woman. When a boy is born into a family, every mother has the opportunity to raise the prince of her dreams. So, it turns out that every woman who gives birth to a son has the possibility of bringing him up as the incarnation of her dreams, and that all the men around us could be princes... And the divine forces would say ‘thank you’ to those women. By the way, the same refers to raising girls. Have you ever been offended when a male director or theatre critic has criticised your work and then condescendingly said that a woman in the theatre is allowed to make mistakes? Indeed, I’ve witnessed that attitude, but I have never been offended because I believe that it is not worth battling with foolishness. When we go to a doctor or some other expert, we don’t choose them by sex, but are guided in our choice by their professionalism. Over the years, I have come to understand that such an attitude is

A gifted actor is someone who knows all the requirements of the profession . A talented actor is highly disciplined, well - organised, responsible, flexible, easy going, knows how to listen to others, is able to improvise, and knows his or her body a defender. Therefore, it is wiser to step back and let him be in front of you. Do you sometimes have to prove your worth in this profession? I don’t want to prove to anyone that I am doing something better than my male colleagues. I simply do what I like. I have spoken out about my thoughts on how we women should treat men in my play ‘Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma’s Hanged You in the Closet and I’m Feelin’ So Sad’. We sometimes find that men are not as we imagined them to be, but we still believe that our ideal man exists, somewhere in the universe...

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characteristic of men with too many hangups. So now I pay no heed to such remarks and just keep improving myself professionally. In any case, I have been working in theatre for so long and feel that I’ve been doing it forever that I am in a position to ignore such condescension. Your actor’s past doesn’t hamper you in your work as a director, does it? How could something that is part of my profession hamper me? By the way, Boris Lutsenko and I often wish we could perform in our plays. Perhaps we’ll manage it one day. You seem to be a leader by nature?

I would probably never have become a director if I had had no leadership qualities. Both in school and at the institute I was the instigator and was always organising events. I was raised by talented parents. My mother, Anna Kirillovna, was an artistic person. She can still sing beautifully and, being a professional philologist, has a very rich vocabulary; my father, Grigory Trofimovich, played the accordion wonderfully. He was given the instrument as an award for courage and heroism during the war. There was always a creative atmosphere in our house. I never attended theatre classes but did learn to play the piano. For three years, a special teacher came to our house to teach me. This wonderful woman had noble roots and I was impressed by her hat and white lacy gloves. Although my teacher was quite strict, I liked her lessons. She passed onto me a passionate love of music. Later, I studied at music school and dreamt about ballroom dances. Is that the reason why you give such a prominent role to music and plastic art in your performances? In my view, they are important components of a play and when skilfully used they only add to the experience. If you had a chance to turn back the clock, would you still become a theatre director? Definitely I would. I am so comfortable in my profession. It is so difficult and yet simultaneously so easy for me that I can say that stage direction gives me life, gives me the feeling of eternal youth. In my profession you are always in motion, constantly searching, full of energy, and your mind is in constant training, trying to create something and present it to others. There is a permanent energy exchange with other people. I like learning new things in my profession, constantly discovering something new for myself. We live in such a wonderful time! There is so much to learn! I like this dynamic existence. Do you have time for your family? My work life coincides with my home life, since my husband (Alexey Yerenkov — music director at the Maxim Gorky

Ivan Zhdanovich

Theatrenames

Olga Klebanovich (Esfir) and Alena Statsenko (Sonechka) in the Esfir play

Theatre) is a composer and my colleague in the theatre. How do you, both creative personalities, manage to work in such close proximity? We manage very well indeed. And do you know why? Because in our everyday life we are also creators: we create our relationships, our everyday life, our communication with a grown-up daughter. By the way, our profession helps us a lot. I don’t try to dominate Alexey, I always fulfil my duties and so does he and we help each other. I have perhaps inherited this characteristic from my parents’ family, where mother and father were equals, and brought the same principle to my new family. My mom always respected dad and he adored her. Do you bring your work home, and discuss the staging of this or that play with your husband? Oh, yes! We literally go to bed and wake up with theatre talk: we argue a lot, of course, but our disputes are always positive. While Alexey is composing music at home, what do you usually do? We — I mean me, our daughter and cat Shlema — try not to disturb him. But sometimes we — largely me and the cat (our daughter is already an adult) —

can’t avoid bothering him. Naturally, I understand the creative process and how important it is for a creator to be alone, but I also need him. For instance, I may need to ask him something important so I do come and disturb him if necessary. Or, as another example, at a very critical moment for Alexey, when he has finally found the required accent for the piece of music he is working on, the cat, Shlema, might jump on the piano and walk all over the keys. We have had several instances of such creativity from the cat. Alexey says: “One day, I’ll arrange Shlema’s music and release a CD.” Does your husband ever prompt you when you are directing and, if so, how do you feel about it? He doesn’t prompt me — Alexey helps me a lot. Along with composing music for plays, he works on the script during our ‘reading’ rehearsals. By the way, he calls himself ‘the script keeper’ and every time an actor misses a phrase or substitutes a word Alexey prompts him on the actual text. Knowing psycholinguistic rules, he can easily interfere in the process of working with text and recommend that the script be strictly adhered to. Alexey is very perceptive and understands what the author wants to say with this or that phrase.

I understand that it is usual to consider the text of the play during ‘reading’ rehearsals in order to preserve the message of the play? You are absolutely right, but the actor’s understanding of the sub-text shouldn’t be brought to the role. On the contrary, the sub-text should be apprehended without words. Prior to opening night, the actor should let go of the text, stop thinking about the words. Just like a good surgeon, the actor should cut out everything extraneous, including those auxiliary words that helped him during the rehearsal process. As I understand it, the actor becomes free of the text only after fully mastering the essence of his or her role? As well as the character’s journey and conflicts with the other characters... And the director is best placed to help in this. Does Alexey Yerenkov attend all your rehearsals? In most cases, yes. His music is very precise, it guides the director. Do you always like his music? No, sometimes we fight and I try to prove to him why I need different accents from those he is proposing. Sometimes Alexey manages to persuade me and I agree. You mentioned that you did an internship with Mark Zakharov in Moscow. What did you learn in this outstanding director’s workshop? During that internship I was reassured that I had made the right choice of profession. Also, I realised that professionalism in stage direction is not only required at rehearsals. It should be present in the very atmosphere of the theatre starting with the stage door entrance and the billboards. The Director should use professionalism when giving remarks and instructions to the actors. Moreover, during the internship, any criticism was expressed with such priceless humour and such kind irony that it was not at all offensive. Nevertheless, it was criticism! During Zakharov’s rehearsals I learnt a lot: how to analyse

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Theatrenames roles, how to verify the performance concept and how to use examples from real life —past, present and, perhaps, future. I felt so comfortable there that every rehearsal was like a date for me. And today, when working on a play, when talking to actors I sometimes ask myself how Mark Zakharov would do this or that scene... Who else do you consider to have been your teachers? I learned the director’s profession under the wing of Boris Lutsenko who is my colleague now. G enerally sp eaking, every time I manage to

without waiting for the final decision of the management. I’ve heard that your Esfir is always sold out within a few days. What is the secret of the play’s success? Firstly, the play, by popular Russian writer Ulitskaya, is so authentic that the entire plot is perceived as being true to life. The audience always appreciates the moment when it recognises how accurately the author and the company have depicted true life in a drama. After thoroughly reading the play I could imagine only one actress from our company in the role of Esfir — People’s

I am so comfortable in my profession. It is so difficult and yet simultaneously so easy for me that I can say that stage direction gives me life, gives me the feeling of eternal youth leave Minsk I attend the rehearsals of outstanding Russian directors. I keep the notes that I make after all the rehearsals that I have the opportunity to attend. What trends in modern Belarusian theatre do you like? I like it when young directors develop new forms, experiment. For instance, let’s take Yevgeny Kornyaga who was responsible for the plastic artwork in ‘Esfir’. I was pleased to note his bright and very thoughtful work. I like seeing creative people who are not afraid to take risks in Belarusian theatre. Even though not everything they do is successful, in the long run taking risks makes them better at what they do. What is most important for you as a director after the play has been chosen? It is to persuade the management that the play is important for the theatre. When I am confident that I will manage to stage it and the actor has been selected for the main role, I start working with the stage crew — costume and scenery designers, the composer and the choreographer —

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Artist of Belarus Olga Klebanovich. Esfir is an amazingly human character. And Klebanovich portrays her with great talent. Despite the fact that Esfir’s utopian dream to perpetuate her ancient Jewish family through her son is smashed to smithereens, she remains a decent human being and with her kind soul, she accepts a Russian girl into her family like a daughter. What is your attitude towards one-dimensional characters that one sometimes finds in plays? How do you approach these roles knowing that they are weak links in the drama? What do you offer to an actor in such cases? First of all, I try to understand the hero and to justify him or her: the author must have had some intention in portraying that character. The role is still some kind of catalyst: it is either an obstacle, or a stumbling block, or a dream lying somewhere beyond the bounds of the play. Usually, I suggest that the actor breathe new life into the role, taking it in a new direction. And naturally, the actor is also responsible for adding his or her own vision

of the character. Sometimes, even the weakest role can be improved if we work together. I frequently hear in the theatre world the following statement: these actors are not for this director. What does that mean to you? I totally refute that. I am ready to cooperate with anybody because I never come to the theatre to conspire with ‘friends’ against ‘enemies’, but to work in the knowledge that this or that actor will bring something special to the role in question. Sometimes, the material doesn’t fit the actor’s profile, so that actor shouldn’t be pushed into the role. It would be better to use that actor in some other role that would allow him or her to display the full range of their talent. I have to admit that there are cases when an actor is given the wrong role and, as a result, the actor suffers and the play suffers. What does a gifted actor mean to you? Someone who knows all the requirements of the profession. A talented actor is highly disciplined, wellorganised, responsible, flexible, easy going, knows how to listen to others, is able to improvise, and knows his or her body... There are many aspects to a talented actor. What kind of theatre is closest to your heart: the kind that entertains or the kind that brings the audience to catharsis? Only the cathartic kind. Nevertheless, you can obtain the same result with entertainment. Is Stanislavsky’s system relevant today? It has been relevant from the very moment of its creation and it will be relevant until theatre ceases to exist. What is your attitude towards youth culture? I’m all for it! I don’t close my mind to anything. Everything that moves forward is healthy. With time, everything will fall into place: the superficial will disappear and the perpetual will take root. By Valentina Zhdanovich

Unique project

Plastilina Koufar Belarusian State University hosted the International Week of Expressive Arts, during which music, choreography, pantomime and acrobatics came together harmoniously under the genre of choreographic drama

he Koufar_Plastilina project is unique, able to bring together representatives of this art form, which is a universal language. “There are no national theatrical boundaries in plastic art, since the language of dance and music is understandable on every continent. However, each spectator perceives the stage performance through their own aesthetic prism,” opined Yekaterina Solodukha, organiser of the festival. Koufar_Plastilina is to some extent a ‘branch’ of the Teatralny Koufar BSU Festival, which has been in existence for seven years already. Teatralny Koufar

invites only student theatres while Koufar_ Plastilina targets professional companies. Another peculiarity of the new project is the absence of a competition programme and master classes. The organisers aim primarily to get the audience acquainted with contemporary international dramatic arts, without the need for determining the best performance at the festival. The Mihr Theatre of Armenia opened the creative programme of the event. The characters in its Dreams in Dreams production are citizens of a huge megalopolis, for whom the modern world has ceased to exist. Dreams have become their true reality, because only there can they live and bring to life their hopes and wishes. There they feel like real people. Director Tsolak Galstyan asks what is more real: reality or the subconscious and invites spectators to ponder this question. Love Pain… by the Anatolian Academic Theatre Association (from Eskişehir in Turkey) is in absolute opposition to the Yerevan show. The performance was of the ‘Belly Puppet’ genre — a peculiar feature of Turkish culture. This is a story of love between a Man and a Woman, based on the traditional The play scenes

Turkish epic poem, Ashuk and Mashuk. The audience enjoyed the performance’s comedic element and demanded encores from the principal players for several minutes after the show. Meanwhile, Yesenin’s Wife. The Last Dance of I. Dunkan was staged without a principal actor, since actress Svetlana Luchko had broken her leg during rehearsals and couldn’t take part in the performance. However, actors from the New Thematic Dance Theatre (Berlin) decided not to back out of the project. In this respect, we should mention the extraordinary talent and organising skills of director Vadim Grakovsky, who had to re-arrange the production within just a few hours of the curtain going up. Belarus was represented by Vitebsk’s Theatre-Studio of Contemporary Choreography. Travel Notes has become the unofficial benchmark of theatrical performance. Short vignettes depicted a range of scenes and events, connected to each other via the main characters. “Initially I planned to present another conventional performance: a serious and philosophical work, but the organisers selected this production,” noted Diana Yurchenko, who heads the theatre-studio. “Previously, each of the vignettes ‘existed’ on its own, but we brought them together in a single project for the festival. Our Travel Notes can therefore be called a premiere.” The organisers of the festival hope that Koufar_Plastilina will become an annual event, since youngsters need such creative outlets. The next Teatralny Koufar will probably not be ‘plastilina’ and the organisers of the festival promise to prepare a real surprise for the audience. By Yuliana Leonovich

2011 беларусь.belarus

Cinema

Sound magician This year may be a decisive one for Belarusian cinema

n recent years, Belarusfilm has created several films, including Ryzhik through the Looking Glass, a children’s fairy-tale directedbyYelenaTurovaencompassing 3D graphics and animation, as well as the four-part Quiet Centre, based on Tamara Lisitskaya’s novel of the same title (a romantic story, where the events take place in the centre of Minsk). At the Crossroads, a feature film by Vitaly Dudin was made, in addition to an eightpart serial for television by Alexander Yefremov, The German (dedicated to the search for Yevfrosiniya P o l o t s k a y a ’s C r o s s ) . Shlyakhtich Zavalnia, based on works by Yan B arshche vsky, is b eing prepared for release, as is Ears

Moreover, this year, a Belarusian delegation participated in the Berlin International Film Festival. Director of the Listapad Film Festival, Anzhela Krashevskaya, programme director Igor Sukmanov and co-ordinator of international projects, Marina Tezina, have signed contracts in Berlin with world distributors to show the films selected at the Berlin Film Festival in Belarus. Negotiations with representatives of the International Federation of Film Producers Associations concerned the accreditation of Minsk’s Listapad International Film Festival to t hat org an is at i on . Interestingly, Belarusfilm employees have recently begun work on a remake of thedetectivefilm,TheBlack

Shlyakhtich Zavalnia, based on works by Yan Barshchevsky, is being prepared for release, as is Ears Under Your Sickle, based on Vladimir Korotkevich’s novel. Work is underway on the film Kupala: The Fate of a Poet. Another interesting project that is planned is a film on Belarus-born personality who has left a big mark on world culture, probably Marc Chagall Under Your Sickle, based on Vladimir Korotkevich’s novel. Work is underway on the film Kupala: The Fate of a Poet. Another interesting project that is planned is a film on a Belarus-born personality who has left a big mark on world culture, probably Marc Chagall. Back in December 2010, this cinema project was discussed with an American producer. “Probably, it’ll be a film which will be released worldwide,” promised Belarusfilm Studio.

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Castle of Olshany — one of the most popular films of Soviet times. The studio bought the rights to the picture from the descendants of writer Vladimir Korotkevich, the scriptwriter. Sergey Chuprov worked on this film early in his career at Belarusfilm. He is now considered to be the best sound supervisor in Belarus and Russia. Due to his efforts, we hear the blowing of the wind, the whizz of bullets and the rustle of clothes on the screen. It is an art

to make a film speak. His recent awards, bestowed for his professional successes, testify to his achievements: the Nika in 2009 and the Golden Eagle in 2010. At his home studio, we discussed with the master whether he believes in the future of Belarusian cinema and we asked him his views on contemporary cinematography. By the way, Mr. Chuprov is now preparing to release Five Brides by Russian producer Karen Oganesyan. Is it a film about the Great Patriotic War, shot in this, the 70th anniversary of the beginning of the war? It wasn’t specifically planned that way, but the war is still alive in human memory. ‘Five Brides’ is a typical ‘folk’ movie — lyrical and very touching. I hope youngsters will enjoy it, although it targets adult audiences more. The events take place immediately after the Victory over fascist Germany. Five friends, who are officers, do their military service in an aviation regiment not far from Berlin; they are left there for several years. However, one of them is keen to return to his homeland, where his girlfriend is waiting for him. Since he can’t leave the military regiment himself, he asks his friend to conduct his marriage on his behalf. The friend returns to their homeland, marries the girl using his friend’s documents and then finds brides for his friends and for himself. I thought that the plot would develop so that this young man would fall in love with his friend’s beautiful girlfriend … What about military honour and friendship? Do you wish to convey that contemporary cinema, just like old films, can still impart noble values? I’m confident of that. You’ll see the resultinSeptember,whenthefilmisreleased.

Cinema

Vitaliy Gil

I’ve noticed that it is primarily young directors who focus on military topics nowadays. Why is that so? Yes, almost every young director develops this topic, because characters best reveal themselves in extreme situations and what can be more extreme than war? The war is still alive in the memory of many people. I think that human relations were different in difficult times. Some committed atrocities while others were kinder to each other… We now see less of this kindness. Do you think so? While I was coming upstairs to your flat I noticed that someone had decorated the staircase with flowers and pictures. Isn’t that kindness towards neighbours? My daughter did that after she visited Germany and saw how they decorate their living space. It seems to me that you’re experiencing nostalgia for the past. Is nostalgic cinema popular now? Of course! I think the past was more interesting and multi-faceted compared to modern times, although we were always in great excitement to hear the decisions of the so-called artistic councils. They

used to dictate a common tendency in cinematography. Now I understand that sometimes they did harm, but sometimes they helped artists. By eliminating broader discussion of filmmaking, contemporary cinematographyfocusesprimarilyonindividual opinion, primarily the opinion of a film producer, which can be more hurtful to an artist than public opinion. You can argue with the public but it is very difficult to overcome a privately held opinion. You worked on The Black Castle of Olshany with a classical writer of Belarusian literature, Vladimir Korotkevich, didn’t you? Did he listen to the advice of cinematographers? Korotkevich seemed quite a responsible person to me and was willing to experiment. He understood that cinema is a completely different medium. He trusted the prominent Belarusian director Mikhail Ptashuk completely, although ‘The Black Castle of Olshany’ was rather lengthy. However, I hope that the

new production will be released soon; Alexander Yefremov is working on that. A good version of Korotkevich’s work was produced before, but it was too ‘heavy’ a treatment for contemporary cinema. Today, the language of cinema has become clearer and more rhythmic, less narrative and more cinematographic. What used to take 2-3 minutes to portray on screen (a single scene of one of Tarkovsky’s pictures could even last up to 10 minutes), now lasts for just 30 seconds, yet the time perception remains unchanged. Everyone believes that their own subjective viewpoint is the most sincere… I immediately recollect how difficult it was for Mikhail Ptashuk to work with Vladimir Bogomolov when they were shooting the famous film, ‘In August of 1944’. Mr. Bogomolov was uncompromising

Sergey Chuprov is delighted to accept the well-deserved honours

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Cinema towards violations of his creative vision. One of the disagreements was that soldiers couldn’t march into battle in helmets, but we had already shot the episode, involving many thousands of people and special technique. These shots do work in the film. But you weren’t mentioned in this film’s credits … Yes, but I was involved in the whole shooting process and was awarded plenty of prizes for it. When I received the ‘Nika’ for ‘Stilyagi’, sound supervisor Igor Mayorov (who continued what I began) came up to me and said that if it hadn’t been for me they would have failed to achieve the necessary depth and intensity of sound. I replied that without him we wouldn’t have had this film… How did you manage to become the best sound supervisor in Belarus and to gain recognition in Russia? This is an interesting story. German producers were shooting ‘So Weit die Füße Tragen’ (‘As Far as My Feet Will Carry Me’) in Minsk. I spent a year working on this film and at that time I became acquainted with Pavel Lebeshev — a prominent cinematographer and cameraman on many pictures by the Russian director Nikita Mikhalkov. Meanwhile, Mr. Lebeshev introduced me to Valery Todorovsky — a great Screenshots of films created by Sergey Chuprov

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master, who got me involved in the Russian film industry. Do you earn decent money? I can’t disclose the figures, but I should say that in our cinema community there’s an unspoken ranking and I have no right to work for less money than is due to the winner of the ‘Nika’ and the ‘Golden Eagle’. I am in the highest category of cinema sound supervisors; there is no higher level in my profession. It’s very strange that there are so many specialists in Belarus, and yet it is mostly Russian and now even Ukrainian films that prevail on our screens. Why is that? I’ve noted that the Ukrainians are currently ‘attacking’ the Russian market. A new generation of cinematographers has appeared in Kiev, who want a start in life. They make good films for less money, mainly sequels. However, I haven’t seen a true Ukrainian feature film yet. Meanwhile, last year, I was captivated by ‘My Happiness’ at Minsk’s ‘Listapad’ Film Festival, shot by ‘Ukrainian’ director Sergey Loznitsa, who was born in Belarus. This was an international project, which was awarded the Grand Prix at the event. The host of the popular programme Vidimo-Nevidimo (Immense Quantity) on STV TV Channel, Sergey Filimonov, told me about the initiative to translate foreign films into Belarusian. He

believes that the cost of voice recording makes it too expensive. Why? I heard that there were plans to make sound tracks for Disney’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’ in Belarusian; however, they didn’t realise that the real cost of dubbing would be several times higher than they expected. Dubbing, like any other element of film production, is very expensive and encompasses a month of hard work for the whole creative team. Then the film has to be bought and the voice of each actor has to be agreed on. All this has to be done via the Moscow Representation Office of Buena Vista Company or directly via Europe. In translation into Russian only certain specific actors are generally approved. In Soviet time, e.g., Louis de Funès was always dubbed by Vladimir Kenigson. When there were attempts to replace Mr. Kenigson with Mikhail Gluzky, the effect was different. Jean Marais was always dubbed by Vladimir Druzhnikov and Alain Delon by Vsevolod Larionov. At present, Vsevolod Kuznetsov is the voice of Tom Cruise in Russian versions and we hear Alexander Bargman speaking for Johnny Depp. All these details have to be agreed with copyright holders; it isn’t enough just to make a translation. Anyway, the Ukrainians find the money to dub films into their language. A special dubbing group has been set

Cinema up in Lithuania, which resolves any disagreements with copyright holders. Even in Lithuania most films are subtitled and only 10-12 are dubbed annually. Subtitling also prevails in Ukraine where I once saw the first counterfeit copy of my ‘Stilyagi’ with Ukrainian subtitles. Is it becoming easier to dub films as the technique develops? Last centur y, several landmark events occurred in dubbing techniques. There

and sharp changes in dynamic. When I was working with Mr. Yankovsky I understood that he was the most powerful actor of the time. He asked a team to give him two hours to prepare for shooting this part and we did everything in just two takes. When Mr. Yankovsky appeared in front of the camera he had real clotted foam around his lips. He was in a state impossible to recreate later or imitate in a voice-recording studio.

Not long ago Belarusfilm decided to re-make popular Soviet film The Black Castle of Olshany” was an early period when the voice was recorded directly on the film set. Then came the era of voice recording in a special studio. Everything changed in the early 1970s, when George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese revolutionised the process. They wanted to have pure voice recording inside and in the street, without the necessity of later polishing in the studio. This was to preserve the immediacy of the sound experience. Once I worked on the film, ‘The Lover’, which has a scene in which the character of Oleg Yankovsky comes to his nephew and talks about his wife. His speech relies on breathing, half-words

Due to our American friends, who began in the 1970s to use pure sound from the film set, we succeeded, although this technique began to be widely used in our country only in the mid-1990s. Why then have you been awarded various prizes and why are you so highly regarded in the world of cinematography? If a tape recorder writes sounds, what is your role? Sound super visors are sound magicians. We can do everything! Moreover, the profession of sound designer has appeared; they can use a computer to ‘find’ components for sounds, which don’t even exist in nature.

We’re sitting in the room and speaking and cars are driving in the street while our neighbours are heard through the wall. In a would-be film our conversation will be shown in several shots, so our discussion will be ‘mounted’, with unnecessary phrases removed. Accordingly, the neighbours’ dialogue will also be ‘cut’ into fragments, which will be heard against the background of our dialogue. It will be extremely difficult to ‘organise’ this off-screen speech, so the neighbours will be asked to keep quiet and then to record separately in line with the scene’s requirements. We may leave in noise from the street; it’ll be a soft background noise. However, after our conversation, we should also record it. During the sound editing I would compile all these sounds and restore our dialogue in high quality, so that the audience is unaware of the ‘seams’. Is it now easier for you to work since there’s no longer any need to go to the studio and all your work can be done at home? Creative people are very committed. If we take work home we can’t rest until it is complete. At home, the working day lasts from the moment one awakes until bedtime. Nothing can distract me from my computer. I won’t rest until everything is finished. By Viktar Korbut

2011 беларусь.belarus

Evgeniy grabkin

Photo art

Expressive perspective

Photographer Yevgeny Grabkin says there are no non-photogenic people

he subjects of his photo g r aphs are actors, entertainers, TV hosts, singers and models... Billboards advertising certain mobile operators are also the creation of the youngest and most fashionable professional Belarusian photographer, Yevgeny Grabkin. With the help of his camera, he can skilfully transform dull objects and everyday life into luminous pictures. Five years ago, nobody had heard of you. How did you become a photographer and how did your diary-album — http://eugene-grabkin.livejournal.com

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— come to be acknowledged as ‘the best photo blog’ in the country? Until recently, I had no plans to become a photographer. I began my career at a bank as a credit expert. It took me two months to understand that I would be no good as a banker. I became interested in amateur photography. An agency director loved my work and invited me to work with them. Later, I submitted my photos to a women’s magazine... What is required to become a professional photographer? Did you have a specialised education? There is no need for that. I attended courses at the Arts Academy. Anyone can take a beautiful shot but while professional photographers earn money from

it, people taking pictures for personal pleasure remain amateurs. Do you have a photography guru? For me, that would be Steven Meisel who takes most of the fashion shots for Italian ‘Vogue’. I understand that you prefer to take pictures of people than of nature. Why? It’s hard to be universal, making portraits and landscapes. Some probably succeed but most tend to focus on one aspect only. Before becoming a professional photographer, I took pictures of city streets, architecture and even landscapes. However, once I got the opportunity to photograph people, I realised that they are the most interesting subjects for me.

Photo art How do ideas come to you? Most customers buying photo advertising don’t want the agency to come up with a concept or an idea for them — they already have a concept in mind and prefer to explain to the photographer what they are looking for. This gives us a starting point for our creativity. How should a person prepare for a photo session? Firstly, a model (whether a girl or a boy, a man or a woman) should experiment with different facial expressions at home, standing in front of a mirror. There is nothing worse than a model holding the exact same expression for an entire session! I had that experience — a group of professional models came to a photo session, and their facial expressions didn’t change at all for an hour. Sometimes it takes time for a model to feel relaxed in front of a camera; some of them might have psychological problems. This is why every photographer should at least be able to empathise, if not be something of a psychologist. Stylish, quality clothes and shoes are vital, in addition to good makeup and hair, which must also fit the concept of the session. What does it mean to be photogenic, in your view? B eing photogenic does not require natural beauty but that a person knows their best features. Some people fail to relax in front of a camera, and then complain that they always take a bad photograph. However, there are also people who love to be photographed. As a rule, they love themselves and this love generates many good shots. Generally speaking, almost everyone has a ‘best side’, which results in good photos 100 percent of the time; it only takes about

two minutes’ work to find that ‘best side’. Is it easier to shoot men or women? Men reveal their characters sooner than girls — although there are also reserved guys and guys

people we can talk to and get to know after a shoot. Do you have favourite accessories and colours in fashion photography? I take many photos for glossy magazines read mostly by

The subjects of his photographs are actors, entertainers, TV hosts, singers and models... Billboards advertising certain mobile operators are also the creation of the youngest and most fashionable professional Belarusian photographer, Yevgeny Grabkin. With the help of his camera, he can skilfully transform dull objects and everyday life into luminous pictures who start playing around from the start of the shoot. Girls for their part are able to play with their facial expressions quite well. A photographer needs to see some zest in a model — irrespective of the person’s sex. However, our society fails to understand what a model is. Any girl with a nice Facebook photo sees herself as beautiful. However, to be a model does not mean simply to be beautiful. Modelling is a job, with certain professional requirements. Our modelling agencies even issue diplomas indicating a model’s sp e c i a l it y, for e x a m p l e , ‘a fashion model’ — someone we look at who makes us want to buy the clothes they are wearing and advertising. Is it hard to photograph stars? Some stars are true stars, at least they think they are. But there are also ordinary

women 25 and older so I must always create something quite conservative, although I love a bright and colourful palette. Do you always use a digital camera? Or do you sometimes use film? Sometimes people who start using a digital camera try to use film as well. Some love it, but others return to the digital camera. Not long ago, I took photos using slide film and discovered that they were no worse than photos taken with a digital camera. However, many people believe there is nothing better than the colours and halftones achieved with an analogue camera. In our age of digital technology, nobody uses film to take photos. Speed is of the essence now, requiring the photographer to take a photo and offer it for public viewing immediately afterwards. Who in Belarus generally commissions beautiful ‘glossy’ photos? I think large firms that spend a lot on advertising campaigns well understand the value of photographs. Even showbiz stars are not always ready to pay much money for a high quality photo session, preferring to hire a photographer by pulling strings. In most cases customers have little idea about what they want to achieve from a photo shoot. They usually say, “Make it beautiful.” However, for a good result, the customer must understand what they want to achieve. By Viktar Korbut

2011 беларусь.belarus

Music

Melodies of friendship ‘Friendship Trains’ were extremely popular in the 1990s. Ursula Heinecke, a music teacher from Wetzlar, in Germany, and Vladimir Popkovich, who headed the German Language Chair at Vitebsk’s Pedagogical Institute, met in one of them

ater their families also became friends and they visited each other often. Some time later they decided to take their friendship to a higher level by selecting a music group from Vitebsk to come to Germany to perform a concert. Ursula Heinecke, who sang with the Kantorei Choir, attended a rehearsal of the recently founded Vitebsk Youth Choir, and greatly enjoyed the young and talented group. “Who would ever have thought that the encounter would lead to our first foreign trip and become the basis for almost 20 years of friendship?” asked Vitaly Rauzo, a choirmaster of Vitebsk’s City Youth Choir. Today, some of his pupils continue to sing or teach in Vitebsk, Minsk and St. Petersburg, as well as in Spain and Belgium. With his choir, he tours successfully all over Europe and wins awards at international contests. Mr. Rauzo, you perform in Europe more often than in Belarus, don’t you? During our first pre-Christmas concert in Wetzlar, which took place after long discussions and rehearsals, we were performing Bach’s oratorio. The German conductor couldn’t believe that 15-17 year old youngsters could sing this complex piece in German. However, the concert was a success. In Germany we lived with families and later the Germans came to our country on a return visit. We’ve been friends since that time and I recently visited Wetzlar to celebrate the retirement of their 65year old conductor. How did you get your passion for music? Just like many boys, I had many interests in childhood. I was involved

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in artistic gymnastics and later shifted to speed skating. When I was 8-10 years old, my mother and I went on holiday to the Black Sea and I first saw an accordion in Batumi. I liked it so much that I asked my parents, who were not musical, to buy it for me. Because of my young age, they bought me a smaller instrument, which I practised on. At that time, there was only one music school in Vitebsk and it was almost impossible to enrol in it. At first, I took private lessons and I studied hard, easily picking up popular melodies. Just three years later, I joined the music school’s choir studio, where I spent five years playing the accordion. Then you entered Vitebsk’s Music College. Is it tr ue that you

we all loved music and finally found a common language. Did you play in the ensemble yourself? There was a semi-professional ensemble at the city’s centre of culture — ‘Vitebskie Verasy’, where I played an electric organ. Interestingly, the father of Alexander Rybak, a ‘Eurovision-2009’ winner from Norway, played the violin in our ensemble. That was when I was noticed by Yuri Gryaznov — a famous figure in Belarusian culture. He worked as a choirmaster of a boys’ choir at one of Vitebsk’s schools. In 1973, he invited me to work with a girls’ choir. However, you then replaced Yuri Gryaznov as chief conductor of Vitebsk’s mixed choir… Mr. Gr yaznov is a unique personality.

Today some of Vitaly Rauzo’s pupils continue to sing or teach in Vitebsk, Minsk and St. Petersburg, as well as in Spain and Belgium. With his choir, he tours successfully all over Europe and wins awards at international contests became the leader of a vocal and instrumental group, even before graduating from college? Yes, it was an ensemble of the local Znamya Industrializatsii factory. They were all 2-3 years older than I was and they were not very keen on their new artistic leader, who was just a second year student at the music college. However,

In 1974, he organised the first choral holiday in Vitebsk, similar to the fashionable Baltic singing festivals. In 1980 or 1981, on the eve of one such holiday, Mr. Gryaznov began to behave strangely for some unknown reason and left the session of the City Executive Committee, the role of which was to consider important issues relating to culture.

Music our concerts. We were lucky because the tickets for our concerts sold well — people were interested in the fellow countrymen of Marc Chagall. What are your choir’s latest achievements? What is your next goal? Last autumn, the youth choir took part in recording a CD in Germany, where they performed Mendelssohn and Bach’s cantatas. We have recently returned from an international competition in Daugavpils, in Latvia. Out of fifty groups, we were the runners up, losing out only to a choir from Riga — the winners of the Grand Prix. My son Alexander was a conductor there. He is also a choirmaster and he graduated from the Belarusian State Academy of Music. In late

sergey golesnik

The leadership wasn’t going to investigate the reasons for his behaviour, but instead invited me to become the city’s chief conductor. Anyway, if it were not for the support of teachers and classmates from Minsk’s Conservatoire, where I studied by correspondence, I would have failed. At that time, I wasn’t even 30 years old… Why are choral holidays less popular today than they used to be? After the collapse of the USSR, choral music ‘crashed’ in all the former Soviet republics. Some time later, due to a revived interest in traditions as well as to significant financial support, it made a come-back in Latvia, where today they can put together a 19-thousand member choir. Another aspect of the decline of choral music was that classical music does not provide instant gratification in the way that pop music does. Audiences need time to appreciate classical music. People who have attended our spiritual music festivals — what used to be city choral festivals — have been converted. Some of them exclaim, one or two years after the event: ‘What a wonderful concert that was!’ It takes them that long to ‘digest’ what they have experienced and heard. That is a precious thing for good choral groups. How can you explain the popularity of choral singing in Western Europe? Usually professional choirs are invited to perform serious works in Belarus. There are only a few of them and they are very expensive. In Europe, people trust amateur groups more. There are 60,000 amateur choirs registered. However, they are ‘mixed’ with professionals before an important concert. Amateurs usually don’t aim to achieve great results and victories in contests. For them, choral music is primarily communication. An awards ceremony and a reception always follow the concert, with refreshments prepared by themselves, helping to save money. Pragmatic Europeans calculate everything. For example, when we were visiting Belgium, we paid for our hotel and meals out of the proceeds from

April, we’re going to hold a joint concert with a choir from Latvia and, in June, we are expected in Germany for that country’s most prestigious contest. We plan to compete in the ‘mixed choirs’ and ‘folk music’ categories. by Sergey Golesnik

Vitebsk youth choir

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Kazyuki is a special holiday At the fair-exhibition of folk craftsmen’s work Kazyuki-2010 in Grodno

Guests from Lithuania and Poland join folk masters and craftsmen from all over Belarus in Grodno, to celebrate day honouring their patron: Saint Casimir

rodno recently hosted the traditional Kazyuki fair for the tenth time: a true spring holiday. It has become an important event in the culture of our three neighbouring nations. The fair dates from four centuries ago, when it was a holiday celebrated across our common borders. St. Casimir had a wonderful life. He was the son of the Polish King Casimir IV and was born 553 years ago in Warsaw. He died in Grodno but was buried in Vilnius. St. Casimir was a fine craftsman, who especially loved to work with wood. In winter, he made barrels and brought them to the fair in early spring. Kazyuki was first celebrated in Vilnius, on March 4th. Later, the fair moved to Warsaw and, ten years ago, it was held in Grodno for the first time. The Deputy Chair of Grodno City Executive Committee, Irina Senchenkova, says, “Every year, the popularity of our fair grows, as does the number of partici-

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pants. Initially, only a few dozen masters attended. Three years ago, over a hundred came to demonstrate their works and, this year, we welcomed about 200 masters from Grodno, Minsk, Vitebsk, Gomel, Slonim, Lida, Smorgon, Ostrovets and other cities. We even had Ukrainian guests. Our festival included a concert programme, with songs performed in three languages: Belarusian, Polish and Lithuanian. For the first time, Kruszewo folk music and dance ensemble took part, from Poland’s Podlaskie Voivodeship.” The fair usually begins in the afternoon, in Grodno’s major square, accompanied by the stroke of ancient chimes from Farny Roman Catholic Church. People flock to the stalls, searching for presents among the multitude of wonderful crafts. It’s rare to see so many handmade items in one place: straw hats and caskets, wooden barrels and whistles, pictures, embroidered fabrics, costume jewellery and so much more. A blacksmith beats hot

metal with a hammer, watched intently by an audience; his creations can then be bought as souvenirs. Among the most amazing are his forged roses. Galina Buzun, from Grodno Region’s Slonim, aroused much interest with her carving and wood painting. She brought many interesting pieces to the fair. “Eight people are employed at our workshop,” she tells us. “All are passionate about art and can hardly live without it. They are always delighted to take part in Kazyuki.” Sergey Bondarenko, from Smorgon, also brought wonderful pieces; he has his own workshop and worked hard all winter. “It’s vital to find a good idea for later implementation in wood,” he explains. “Anything I make with passion is so The hooper Michael Kuksa of Zaritsa Village, Grodno region

Belta

Traditions

Touristic features much more beloved, so tends not to be sold. I just showcase these pieces, taking pleasure in sharing their beauty.” Minsk craftsman Vladimir Kudritsky always attends Grodno fair and has been working with ceramics since childhood. He even has his own workshop. “I make various pieces from baked clay and will certainly come again next year, with pleasure,” Vladimir stresses. Valentina Chichkova, from Grodno, brought her unusual collection of dolls, which she speaks of with a smile. “I’ve mustn’t have played with enough dolls in childhood, so I sew them now. It gives me pleasure and I hope that those who buy my dolls are also delighted.” The folk masters from the village of Pelyasa (in Voronovo District of Grodno Region) first discovered Kazyuki in Vilnius and brought the fair to Grodno. Ivan Matyulevich, the Chairman of the Pelyasa Public Association of Lithuanians — Gimtine, averred that the holiday was a success, saying, “We were invited to Kazyuki by the leaders of the Union of Poles in Belarus. We are very thankful to them. In our Lithuanian school, the children take pleasure in folk crafts, and participate in various fairs. However, Kazyuki is a special holiday, in which we penetrate more deeply into the history of our culture which has common roots among Belarusians, Poles and Lithuanians.” By Iosif Ponomarev

Exact diagnoses Modern tourism envisages not just the discovery of countries and continents, with clichés such as ‘look to the right and you’ll see…’ On the contrary, we offer shopping and gastronomic experiences, excursions and medical trips

ur neighbours — the Russians — long ago chose Belarus as their medical-tourist destination, alongside Israel and Germany. Foreigners from the CIS and beyond are well aware of us offering good value for money regarding dentistry and prosthetics, plastic surgery, oncological services and recuperation from severe injury…

Tourists are not adventurers

E xp or ts of me dic a l services are gaining momentum at the Republican Scientific-Practical Centre of Traumatology and Orthopaedics. In 2009, 272 foreigners addressed it for treatment and diagnosis; in 2010, the figure rose to 497. The C e nt re’s re ve nu e has i nc re as e d accordingly. “Last year, we fulfilled 125 percent of our planned medical service sales,” explains the Head of the Centre’s Non-Budgetary Activity Department, Margarita Kurbalenko, adding, “Foreigners are satisfied with the prices we offer. For example, those who’ve received diagnosis and treatment of arthrosis via arthroscopy tell us that, in Moscow, the $500 fee for this service wouldn’t buy a single dental implant.” As a rule, foreigners come to Belarus to consult their ‘own’ doctor, with most hearing of the Centre by word of mouth. Personal contacts of doctors with foreign colleagues are also vital,

while Internet ads are the third most effective form of advertisement. Couples with fertility problems often come to our Republic, with ten percent undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) at the Reproductive Medical Centre coming from abroad. All leave the Centre happy, due to the professionalism of local doctors, good results and inexpensive yet efficient services. Moreover, many states legislatively restrict operations of this kind.

Point of support

No doubt, medical tourism brings prestige, as well as profit. How can we increase this revenue? Improving medical services’ quality is the best solution. We can hardly find fault with the medical side: our best clinics and centres boast perfect equipment, while our medical personnel are highly trained. However, organisational issues leave much to be desired. According to the Deputy Head of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism on Minsk City’s Executive Committee, Vitaly Moshechkov, the state earned $1m last year from medical service exports. The figure could rise fivefold in the near future, if a reasonable business approach is applied. “We plan to establish co-operation with tourist companies already boasting experience in this sphere,” he says. “Others will join us in due course.”

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Horses

Gracious performance Minsk has hosted its first thoroughbred horse show, with several dozen animals from Belarusian equestrian clubs and private stables taking part. The BelExpo National Exhibition Centre also hosted two special guests from Russia: beautiful shire and tinker horses

isitors flocked to the exhibition pavilion from early in the morning. Equestrian enthusiasts

were joined by members of the general public; young fathers imitated sniffing horses to entertain toddlers on their shoulders, smiling and laughing. Undoubtedly, the demonstration of various horse breeds was the highlight of the day. Orlov Trotters and Belarusian draught horses proudly walked around the arena, joined by L at v i a n ,

Bel ta

Fr isi an, Arab and Tr a k e h n e r h o r s e s . Belarusian draught horses are our only national breed, being the colour of creamy bleached flax (a national symbol). In comparison to

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The exhibition organizers prepared an interesting and entertaining show

the heavy draught horses from Russia, there were miniature Scottish ponies, creating a spectacular sight. Shire horse Harlequin is the tallest horse in Europe, being 197cm to his shoulder; only one other is taller — being 203cm tall, in Australia. Shire horses were bred for knights to use in battle and are very friendly and calm, despite their impressive size and power. Hairy-hoofed Harlequin shifted from walking to trotting at his master’s command, showing off in front of the audience. A great piebald Irish Cob, or tinker horse, performed alongside. Of course, Arabian horses are the most graceful, being modest in size and very light on their feet; their ‘dry feet’ (as equestrian say) seem to fly over the ground. Riders from an equestrian school in the Pukhovichi District (Zazerie village) gave a demonstration, as did those from the Golden Spur Historical Club. Horse harnesses, carriages and special equestrian clothing were on show, while children were offered the chance to ride a horse or take a trip in a horse-drawn cart. The exhibition of horses seems likely to occupy the same place in the capital’s cultural life as pedigree cat and dog shows. The organisers worked hard to ensure an interesting and educational event. By Irina Frolova

sport

A ‘real man’s’ game There is nothing new under the sun: this saying is unequivocally proven by a ‘new’ sport that has been gaining in popularity — so-called ultimate fighting, or MMA (mixed martial arts). In reality, however, it is nothing but the good old sport of pankration

Historical survey  Pankration (derives from the

Greek παγκράτιον) is a blend of boxing and wrestling but with no rules. The term comes from the Ancient Greek πάν (pan-) + κράτος (kratos) meaning ‘all powers’. Contestants were even allowed to throttle their opponents; only eye gouging and biting were disallowed. This type of fighting was included in the Olympic Games in honour of the mythical founder of the games, Heraclus, who managed to subdue a lion only by suffocating him, since the lion’s skin was impervious to any weapon. Pankration was added as an Olympic sport during the 33rd Olympiad in 648 B.C. and for juniors during the 145th Olympiad in 200 B.C. Modern pankration is a combination of various techniques, schools and trends in martial arts. It is a full contact sport allowing both standing (clinch) and ground (parterre) fighting techniques.

Fashionable power sport

Ask any man in the street who Fiodor Yemelyanenko is and you will hear in reply that he is a great fighter. This strong man with the look of a Russian bear is known as the unbeaten MMA champion of the last ten years or so, an unprecedented feat. Today, when ultimate fighting has become the most popular martial art in the world, his fame has overshadowed that of Mike Tyson and Muhammad Ali. Formerly just a Russian sambo wrestler, Fiodor Yemelyanenko is today the hero of young boys, justly known as the strongest and most agile man on the planet. During his career he has displayed exceptional cold-bloodedness and restraint combined with quick reactions and a well-perfected technique. This combination has secured victories for the sportsman, regardless of external factors such as the number of spectators, the significance of the fight or verbal abuse from his opponent. It is interesting that before a fight there is usually quite a relaxed atmosphere in Yemelyanenko’s dressing room. Fiodor chats with his folks, they exchange jokes or play cards.

He explains this by saying that over long years of performing in the ring he has learned how to overcome pre-match nerves and he simply does his job in the ring. He has no weak spots. However, the attraction of pankration is that no one is unbeatable. It proves the statement: never claim to be the strongest, as there will always be somebody stronger than you. In early February, during the Strikeforce Grand Prix, Yemelyanenko lost his fight against Antonio Silva, called ‘Bigfoot,’ owing to a genetic disease of Silva’s that results in enlarged hands, feet, jaws and skull. A real giant, indeed! During the weigh-in, on the eve of the fight, Silva managed to be within the weight limit for a heavy-weight contestant — 120kg — but on the next day, his weight had increased to 129kg. Yemelyanenko on the other hand weighs only 104kg. Nevertheless, the fight was evenly matched and his defeat has not undermined Yemelyanenko’s pre-eminence — he will always be a legend.

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sport Roman Mironenko during training

about attacking a common passer-by, who may turn out to be quite capable of a robust response.”

We are the greatest!

Brave Belarusian

In Belarus, the sport of pankration is still in its infancy. Nevertheless, we can already boast some achievements in this arena. The most famous Belarusian fighter, known far beyond the borders of the country, is Andrey ‘Pit-Bull’ Orlovsky. He is not only a MMA sportsman, but also a Hollywood star. The most well-known film he has appeared in is Universal Soldier 3: Regeneration in which he starred with such celebrities as Jean Claude Van Damme and Dolph Lundgren. Junior Sambo World Champion and member of the Belarusian team, Orlovsky decided to test himself in ultimate fighting and hasn’t regretted it, thereby boosting the popularity of pankration in Belarus. Today, mixed martial arts are gaining sweeping popularity in Belarus: new clubs are opening, tournaments are taking place, and a new generation of fighters is growing up. This tough, masculine and noble sport is promoted by the recently founded Federation of Hand-to-Hand Fighting and Mixed Martial Arts which includes many prominent coaches and wrestlers. The Federation Head, Dmitry Rozym, says, “The year 2011 is considered a remarkable one in MMA, during

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which promoters’ revenues from mixfight contests equalled revenues from ‘professional boxing’. Correspondingly, the fighters’ royalties also matched those of professional boxers. Today, among all martial arts, it is the indisputable leader in terms of entertainment and profitability. This fact speaks for itself. In actual fact, mix-fight has already celebrated its 80th birthday. It is nothing but Army martial arts, which has existed since Soviet times and in which you have to subdue your opponent by any means. Of course, sambo combat was the basis for this. Nobody can be 100 percent sure whether mix-fight in its world-recognised format will take root in Belarus. But already, two years after the official MMA launch in our country, we observe that the only other sport that fills the stadiums to the same extent is hockey, not only in Minsk, but also in Bobruisk, for example, where a tournament was also organised. The M-1 Selection Belarus Final which is practically the national championship competition and took place on the 25th December 2010 in the Palace of Sports is no exception. In general, this sport is capable of raising men’s self-esteem and making potential hooligans think twice

One such ‘common passer-by’ who would never give the impression of being an ultimate fighting champion is Minsk resident Roman Mironenko. An ordinary law-abiding citizen in everyday life, in the ring he is a fighter who has won all his matches in quick time, using the suffocation technique. Ultimate fighting is a very brave sport. Even watching it from the side makes you shiver. One would hardly have dreamt of it in childhood. You are right. Until sixth or seventh grade I didn’t do any sports at all. Later, I wanted to try wrestling, but my mother was against it. It was the ‘hard’ 1990s when every fighter was associated with gangsters or racketeers. So, I tried yacht racing which made me physically very strong. In high school, I realised my old dream and signed up for wrestling. I told my mom about it later and she could do nothing about it. For seven years, I did freestyle wrestling, won certain sports titles and acquired a good technique. Later, I was offered the opportunity to test myself in mixed fighting and I agreed. What feelings did you experience when you first entered the ring? You are nervous until you enter the ring. All these emotions… But later, there is only the fight, nothing else, there is only you and your opponent — somebody has to win. Judging by your words, you have strong nerves. Do you sleep well before fights? Of course, I have no problems with that. You have won three times using the suffocation technique. Do you deliberately use that method? Everybody does what he can do best. So far, my wrestling skills are better developed than others. Regarding suffocation methods, they were never my strong point, it just happened that

sport way on occasion. I simply took the opportunity. What is your goal in MMA? To improve myself, of course.

Strong body and soul

Kerberus Club, headquartered in Molodechno, has for many years trained pankration fighters who are known not only in Belarus but also in the rest of the world. The club’s Director, Oleg Petrovich, recently received the title of Best MMA Coach in Belarus. Your club has a mystical name — Kerberus. What does it mean? The sport we promote — pankration — has Greek roots. At that time, it was one of the main sports in the Olympic programme. So, the roots are the same. Greek ‘Kerberus’ is Roman ‘Cerberus’. Another interesting detail: your tough fight club is located in a business college. A very strange combination, I have to admit… The combination boils down to the fact that we rent the college gym. But of course, students also train in the club. Not many, but quite a few. For instance, the acting mix-fight Belarusian champion Sergey Faley is a college alumni.

Is pankration the main focus of your club? Right, that’s why we don’t invite children. The minimum age for starting our training is 14-15 years. In addition, not everybody can pass our special tests since we accept only well-prepared boys. Many of my students are holders of the Red Beret (of the Special Forces uniform). I have been coaching for quite a long time and my guys,

fitness can be improved even in the worst case. Our sports require the drive which gives the person satisfaction from combat. What would you do if you found out that one of your students has used his skills for selfish or criminal purposes? I can’t even imagine it. First of all, our training gives them enough drive and an outlet for their energ y ; secondly, in the club, we advocate

Kerberus Club, headquartered in Molodechno, has for many years trained pankration fighters who are known not only in Belarus but also in the rest of the world coming back from army service, say frankly that not every holder of the Red Beret can pass the our club’s tests. What characteristics are necessary for you to accept a guy into your club? He should have character, first of all. If there is no character, you can do practically nothing. It is like a knockdown strike: you either have it or not. Physical

Sergey Falye (right), champion in mixed-fight of M1 Belarus Selection 2010 in the weight category up to 76 kg during a fight with Vitaly Lazovsky

power, honour and courage. These are our three major values. So, I am totally confident in my students and I know that I will never have cause to feel ashamed because of them. How do you see the future of MMA in Belarus? I think it has good prospects. In the past two years we have been developing very actively. The Hand-to-Hand and Mixed Fighting Federation was founded, although there are many problems as well. Compared to Russia and Ukraine, MMA in Belarus is just in its infancy. But we are growing, indeed… What sports are your children in? They are too young yet. If they want to go in for wrestling or fighting, I wouldn’t oppose it. In general, I believe swimming is the best starting sport for a child — it strengthens and develops the lungs, builds good functional fitness. Later, fighting could be an option. In principle, the choice of sports is not important. What matters is that the child is interested in the sport. Should my kid choose the profession of artist or doctor, I wouldn’t regret that he isn’t a fighter. I also think that personality is the main thing. Pankration develops not only the strength but also the soul. By Sergey Kanashits

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Kaleidoscope

Pole of cold This season, two Belarusians worked in the Antarctic: Alexey Gaidashov and engineer-ecologist Yuri Giginyak. They spent almost two months on the continent, arriving in late December and returning in February

uring the exhibition, the Polar researchers spent much time studying the ozone layer. For the first time, it was investigated along a length of the Antarctic shore, on board the Academician Fedorov ship. In addition, geological samples and water samples were taken

Rainbow appears over city Nature gives Minskers a fantastic show of colour: huge light pillars over the night skyline followed by a full rainbow

ccording to witnesses, bright pillars of light were s e en over maj or buildings and constructions, each with their own illumination — for instance, near the National Library and Pobedy Square. The phenomenon might be compared with the Northern Lights or a laser show but was, in fact, the result of ice crystals in the air. It was easy to imagine that Minsk was being used as the set for a blockbuster film about aliens landing!

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from Antarctic lakes. Mr. Giginyak observed cetacean, pinnipeds and fish, making several visits ashore, where he collected samples of moss and lichen. The expedition differed from the usual tours, being conducted outside the Belarusian permanent base: the field camp by Vechernyaya Mountain. Last December, Belarusian polar researchers visited for a while, to inspect the site, and were pleased to discover that our equipment had been almost untouched by snow storms — unlike that of the Russians at Molodezhnaya Station. Such visits to the Antarctic are of major significance from the point of view of scientific research and national prestige. “Owing to the achievements of our Belarusians on the sixth continent, in logistics and science, we now enjoy respect in the Antarctic,” stresses Mr. Gaidashov. Belarusian polar researchers have the ultimate goal of establishing a permanent seasonal base. A rainbow and foggy pillars over the city are always impressive, especially in the end of winter or March when snow has not melted. However, their cause is nothing out of the ordinary, with frost and humidity creating the small crystals of ice. These accumulate in the air, dissipating light, and result in the illumination of buildings. Yevgeny Tolkachev, chief research officer at the National Academy of Sciences’ Physics Institute, explains that this rare optical phenomenon in the atmosphere is caused by the refraction and reflection of light in water drops. Similar conditions can also create halos: circular bands of coloured light around the sun.

Unique tapestry Borisov Applied Art Factory copies Korelichi ancient tapestry — Granting Princely Title to Mikołaj Radziwiłł Czarny

atiana Potapovich, Yelena Alekhno, Irina Polonevich and Alla Fedisova have spent three months meticulously working on the reproduction, which is to go on show at the National Historical-Cultural Museum-Reserve at Nesvizh. “This is the first time that a copy of the ancient tapestry has been made in Belarus. The original is kept by Poland’s Narodowe Museum, in Nebrowo. Our specialists visited to study the tapestry in detail,” explains the Director of Borisov Applied Art Factory, Grigory Shemit. “The colours have faded over the centuries, so it has been a challenge for artist Nina Pilyuzina to capture the original style and palette of the 17th century.”

Artefacts from old suitcases World of childhood on show at the Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War

mong the exhibits are papermâché and rubber dolls, and hand-made teddy bears from the 1920s-1940s. There are also numerous toys, including Chinaware, wooden furniture, pyramids, weeble wobbles and even table basketball. It is now impossible to buy these rarities in modern shops. “Over 600 of our exhibits have been brought in by Minskers and residents of other Belarusian cities. They are all suitable for children to play with,” says the organiser of Toys from the Suitcase project, Anna Yemeleva.