Lesya Ukrainka stands as one of Ukraine's foremost literary voices, celebrated for her evocative poetry and compelling plays. Her work delves into profound themes of struggle for freedom and national identity, rendered with a rich linguistic tapestry and profound lyricism. Ukrainka masterfully intertwines personal experience with broader societal and political concerns, crafting narratives that resonate with enduring power. Her literary legacy is marked by an indomitable spirit and a passionate advocacy for justice and liberation.
Focusing on women's liberation, this play explores the life of Liubov in early 20th-century Ukraine as she challenges societal norms. Her love for Orest leads her to advocate for "pure love," rejecting the conventional roles of marriage and motherhood. Through this contemporary translation, Lesia Ukrainka's work sheds light on the struggles for autonomy and self-definition faced by women of her time.
Set in a vibrant interplay of Ukrainian mythology and local folklore, the play features spirited dialogues between mythical characters and the people of Volhynia. It explores profound themes of humanity's connection to nature and the transformative power of love, illustrating how it can bridge divides and even resurrect the deceased. Lesia Ukrainka's work stands as a significant contribution to Ukrainian literature, celebrating cultural heritage through its rich narrative and emotional depth.
In Lesia Ukrainka’s rendering, Cassandra’s prophecies are uttered in highly poetic language and are not believed for that reason, rather than because of Apollo’s curse. Cassandra as poet and as woman are the focal points of the drama. The strongly autobiographical Cassandra: A Dramatic Poem is presented here in a sophisticated English translation.