“Unread Poems of the Executed Poets”: Zhadan, Trehubova, Tata Kepler – famous Ukrainians read little-known poems of the Executed Renaissance
Serhiy Zhadan, Akhtem Seitablayev, Dasha Trehubova, Andriy Kulikov, Tata Kepler, and other famous Ukrainian artists and influencers supported the cultural project #unread_poems (#нечитані_вірші). So that to lend voices to little-known poets of the Executed Renaissance, whose works were undeservedly forgotten.
Poems by Maik Johansen, Natalia Zabila, Ladya Mohylyanska, Oleksa Vlyzko, Vasyl Bobynsky, Nik Bazhan, Amdi Hiraybay, Leonid Chernov, Mykhailo Drai-Khmara, and Yulian Shpola are posted on the project webpage available at the link. The MHP–Gromadi Foundation, in cooperation with the Ukrainska Pravda publication, analyzed the works of these authors and later selected poems read by Ukrainian cultural figures. The following literary critics, scholars, and publishers, helped us given their expertise, experience, and previous research: Yevheniy Stasinevych, Rostyslav Semkiv, Mykhailo Nazarenko, Bohdana Romantsova, and Mustafa Ametov.
“After the start of the full-scale invasion, we reinterpreted culture as a factor of national security and social transformations. The culture helped Ukrainians realize their strength and unity. That said, the enemy can destroy buildings and physical objects but not deprive us of values, traditions, and identity. They define who we really are. The cultural revival observed nowadays is impossible to be postponed. Therefore, such projects as “Unread Poems of Executed Poets” are about new meanings, our maturity, and responsibility to future generations,” says Oleksandr Pakholiuk, Director of MHP-Gromadi Charitable Foundation.
Andriy Isayenko, a theater and film actor, also noted the importance of the initiative: “I believe it is crucial to make people aware of forgotten Ukrainian poets and writers, whom the Soviet authorities or the culture of the neighboring aggressor state deliberately wiped out of public memory. They disappeared from libraries, schools, and university programs, however, we should know and remember them, as they were truly outstanding artists. They are our history, they are the poets Ukrainians should know and admire.”
How to join the flash mob
There are many ways you can support the flash mob. For this purpose:
Follow the link to the project page and choose the poem you like the most.
Your creativity is welcome: choose a poem, make a video, design an image with a quote from the poem, add a photo of the poet, or come up with your format. The main thing is not to forget to add the hashtag #unread_poems (#нечитані_вірші) to your post on social media.
Tag your friends to pass the challenge.
A subscription to the complete works by Vasyl Stus will be raffled off among all the participants, as well as valuable gifts from MHP and project partners. The project will last until May 2025.
When culture is a factor of national security
The “Unread Poems of the Executed Poets” project emerged as the ultimate expression of support for other cultural initiatives of the MHP–Gromadi team. In particular, these include the National Tour “Cinema for Victory!” – screenings of Ukrainian films in military units and remote communities, and “Preservation of Cultural Heritage” – restoring unique museums in various regions of Ukraine. Namely, replenishing the exposition of the Vasyl Stus Museum in Vinnytsia region, restoring a 100-year-old windmill from the Kherson region in the Open Air Museum, rebuilding Taras Shevchenko’s ancestral house in Cherkasy region, and many other projects that have already been implemented. Supporting important documentaries and projects that promote national identity abroad.
Since the beginning of the full-scale war, the MHP–Gromadi Foundation has allocated more than UAH 80 million to support cultural projects. That said, the national culture, which the enemy persistently tries to destroy, is a key element of our resistance. Therefore, its preservation and support is a matter not only of development but also of the resilience of Ukraine.