Preparing the Summer Kitchen: Song Workshop

In this free workshop with Ukraine’s Word and Voice Theatre Centre, you will learn traditional Ukrainian folk songs and be introduced to the specific vocal method of Nataliia Polovyinka.

Ukrainian folk culture (including rituals, beliefs, festivals, music, art, food) has its origins in the cycle of life, and the primaeval organic relationship between people and the land which enabled them to exist. Many of the customs and rituals associated today with Christian festivals such as Easter and Christmas originally evolved as celebrations of natural events, such as the equinoxes and solstices, the harvest, the wedding, and were continued when Ukraine embraced Christianity in 988 A.D. Most of those customs are connected to making and eating special foods: korovai (special bread for weddings and other life events), kutia (sweet wheat berry pudding for Christmas), paska (special Easter bread) and so on.

On Friday, 26 August, we will experience making sochniki, another traditional Ukrainian delicacy. It is a small cottage cheese patty made from sweet short pastry. It is reminiscent of English scones, except it is more moist and distinguished in taste depending on the type of cheese filling (can be made with cottage, farm or ricotta cheese) and any special additions (cherries, plums, etc.)

In partnership with St. Sidwell’s Community Bakery, the workshop will be led by a local Ukrainian baker and the songs will be led by our very special guests Word and Voice Theatre Centre from Lviv.

This workshop is limited to 15 people. You do not have to have participated in the previous Summer Kitchen events but if you have your experience will be richer.

Please note this event will take place at the Sidwell Street Bakehouse, St Sidwell’s Community Bakery.

This event is free, but please click here to RSVP

VENUE: MAKETANK EXETER

3-5 Paris Street, Exeter, EX1 2JB