Join us for an evening with Nitka, the folk performance group affiliated with The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA), as they bring to life the songs, stories, and traditions of peasant women from pre-revolutionary Russia. This event, directly connected to TMORA’s Main Gallery exhibition Peasant Women of the Russian North: Heritage of a Culture Lost, promises a rich and immersive cultural experience.

Event Highlights:

• Traditional Songs and Stories: Nitka will perform a selection of songs from the peasant tradition of the Russian North, Siberia, and other regions, showcasing music that has been orally transmitted through generations of women. These songs, with their unique and ancient vocals, are a testament to the enduring legacy of the folk culture of old Russia.
• Ritual Songs: Experience the haunting beauty of several ritual songs, performed in their peculiar and ancient vocal styles. These songs are a rare glimpse into the rituals and traditions of the past, preserved through the dedication of generations of women.
• Exhibition Connection: Some of the songs performed will be directly related to the current exhibition, telling the stories of growing and spinning flax fibers, activities that were central to the lives of peasant women of the region.
• Q&A/Discussion: Engage with Nitka in a Q&A session where you can learn more about the songs, stories, and the group’s research into Russian folklore. This is a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the history and culture of peasant women, as presented in TMORA’s exhibition.
• Showcase of Traditional Peasant Women’s Clothing: Discover the beauty and craftsmanship of traditional peasant women’s clothing through a special presentation. This showcase will feature authentic garments that reflect the daily life and cultural heritage of women from the Russian North.

Wednesday, July 31 | 7:00 PM

TICKETS: $12 General Admission | $10 TMORA Members | $5 Students

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Doors open at 6:00 PM. All galleries and TMORA Shop will be open. Free parking is available in the Mayflower Church parking lot directly across the street from the Museum.

About Nitka:

Nitka is a folk performance group based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, affiliated with The Museum of Russian Art (TMORA). The group’s mission is to study, research, perform, and interpret Russian folklore, with a special focus on the female communal culture of old Russia. Their performances are rooted in the 19th-century village tradition, but their origins reach far back into history.

The name “Nitka,” meaning “thread” in Russian, reflects the group’s aim to weave together past and present histories, locations, and practices, enriching Minnesota’s cultural landscape. Through their performances, Nitka presents a fascinating slice of the world’s traditional women’s communal culture to a broad audience.

Don’t miss this captivating event that celebrates the resilience, creativity, and heritage of peasant women through the timeless art of song, storytelling, and traditional wardrobes.