Batlejka

In today's article we are going to delve into the exciting world of Batlejka. This is a topic that has sparked the interest of researchers, experts and hobbyists alike, since Batlejka is present in various aspects of our daily lives. Along these lines, we will explore the different facets of Batlejka, from its origins to its evolution today. In addition, we will analyze its impact on society, as well as possible future implications. It doesn't matter if you are an expert in Batlejka or if you are just discovering this topic, this article offers you an in-depth look that will allow you to expand your knowledge and reflect on the importance of Batlejka in today's world.

Batlejka booth in the Belarusian National History Museum
Batlejka puppets in the Belarusian National History Museum
Batlejka depicted on a Belarusian post stamp

Batlejka (Belarusian: Батле́йка, Batleyka) is a Belarusian amateur puppet theatre. Its name is derived from the city of Bethlehem and performances are traditionally given over the Christmas period.

It became popular in Belarus in the 16th century but the peak of its popularity falls on the 18-19th centuries. It was largely forgotten during Soviet times but revived in present-day Belarus and within the Belarusian diaspora.

Puppet booth and puppets

Puppets on metal rods are led by a puppeteer hiding behind a wooden booth with doors. The booth has two levels - the upper ‘heavenly’ or ‘canonical’ level and the lower ‘earthly’ or ‘layman’ level.

Puppets were traditionally made of wood and dressed in colourful  miniature clothes.

Plot

Part 1: Nativity

King Herod learns from the Three Kings that the Saviour is born. Considering him a rival, King Herod decides to kill Jesus.

He order a soldier to go to Bethlehem and kill all newly born babies. The soldier obeys the order and kills all babies except a baby of Rachael. Angry Herod orders to kill Rachael's baby too.

Herod pays with his life for these crimes - the Death beheads Herod and his body is taken to Hell by the Devil. The soldier soon follows his master.

Part 2: Folk scenes

This part comprises a number of humorous and satirical episodes involving multiple characters - peasants, tradesmen, aristocracy, etc.

While Part 1 was performed throughout Belarus with little variations, Part 2 varies significantly depending on the geographical region of the performance and the imagination of a particular puppeteer.

References

  1. ^ a b Этнаграфія Беларусі: Энцыклапедыя / Рэд.: І. П. Шамякін (гал. рэд.) і інш. — Мн.: БелСЭ, 1989.
  2. ^ "Belarus", World Encyclopedia of Puppetry Arts
  3. ^ Батлейка // Театральная Энциклопедия. — М.
  4. ^ "10-годдзе беларускай батлейкі ў Лондане". zbsb.org (in Belarusian). Archived from the original on 2021-05-07. Retrieved 2021-04-03.

Further reading

  • Барышаў Г.I., Саннiкаў А. К. Беларускі народны тэатр батлейка. Мн., 1962;
  • Бaрышев Г. И. Художественное оформление белорусского кукольного театра батлейки // Белорусское искусство. Сб. статей и материалов, Минск, 1957;
  • Бессонов П. Белорусские песни, M., 1871;
  • Бядуля З. Бэтлейка и Беларускі тэатр // Вестник Нар. Комиссариата просвещения ССРБ, Минск, 1922. С. 3–4, 11–12;
  • Вертеп в Могилеве // Могилевские Губернские Ведомости, 1866, No. 4. стр. 26–29.
  • Давидова М. Г. Вертепный театр в русской традиционной культуре // Альманах Традиционная культура No. 1’2002;
  • Дзешавой А. Докшыцкі лялечнік // «Маладосць», 1958, No. 9.
  • Збірайце матэр’ялы аб бэтлейцы! // «Наша Ніва», Вільня, 1910, No. 44-45, С. 83–84;
  • Карский Е. Ф. Рождественская вертепная драма // Белорусы, т. 3, 3, П., 1922;
  • Кізіма С.А., Лянцэвіч В.М., Самахвалаў Дз.С. Гісторыя Беларусі: Курс лекцый. – Мн.: Выд-ва МІК, 2003. – 91 с.;
  • Красьнянскі В. Батлейка віцебскага аддзяленьня беларускага Дзяржаўнага музэю // Інстытут беларускае культуры. Запіскі аддзелу гуманітарных навук, кн. 6 — Працы камісіі гісторыі мастацтва, т. 1, сш. 1, Менск, 1928;
  • Лабовіч А. Першая экспазіцыя Дзяржаўнага музея гісторыі тэатральнай і музычнай культуры // Беларускі гістарычны часопіс. No. 3’2003;
  • Лозка А. Беларуская батлейка: Каляндарныя i абрадавыя гульнi. Мн., 1997;
  • Перетц В. Н. Кукольный театр на Руси (Исторический очерк) // Ежегодник императорских театров. — Приложения. — Кн. 1. — Спб., 1895. — С. 85-185.
  • Романов Е. Белорусские тексты вертепного действа. Могилев, 1898. С. 45–46, 49–52;
  • Саўчук Н. Беларуская батлейка // Беларускі гістарычны часопіс. No. 3’2003;
  • Шeйн П. В. Вертеп, или бетлейки (батлейки) // Материалы для изучения быта и языка русского населения Северо-Западного края, т. 3, СПб, 1902;
  • Эpeмич И. Очерки белорусского Полесья // Вестник Западной России, Вильно, 1867, кн. 10, т. 4, отд. 4;
  • Юшкевич С. Небо и земля: сценарии для батлейки / С. Юшкевич, И. Лой, А. Досина, Н. Куксачёв. Мн.: Зорны верасень, 2008.
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