Graduation Date
5-2018
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department or Program
Graduate Humanities
Department or Program Chair
Joan Baranow, PhD
First Reader
June Choi Oh, MM
Second Reader
NA
Abstract
Ztratil sem kolíček. The linchpin is lost, and our young hero’s quest for a new one is highlighted by his faith, awareness of his natural surroundings, and an awakening desire to make sense of life and love. Set in Moravia during the early twentieth century’s technological, political and cultural upheaval, the quest takes him away from his family and the tenant farm. Becoming a runagate is Jano’s destiny; he leaves with the gypsy girl Zefka to begin a new life and family.
The translation finds unexpected discoveries in the poet’s language. Following a dramaturgical thread, the Self-taught Pen of the poet Kalda is represented by repeating and developing a simple graphic image—beginning as a pen—which is manipulated and combined to form thorns, birds, a dagger, a cross and, of course, a linchpin. A linchpin museum artifact, in a three-dimensional facsimile, accompanies the print work. The facsimile was produced in California with the help of files made available by The British Museum’s education and 3D photography departments.
The combined elements were presented as part of a public performance of Janáček’s masterpiece of art song, Zápisník zmizelého, on March 12, 2018.