Guest of the episode: Raisa Zakletska – head of the Zerniatko ensemble, director of the Vetryani Gory Creative Center.
Artifact of the issue
Transcript of conversations
Nik Lysytskiy
Hello, I’m Nik Lysytskiy, and this is Archetype of the Nation — a cultural project that explores the foundations of Ukrainian national identity.
Who we were, who we’ve become, what we have, and what we can still be. We seek answers in folklore and in conversations with outstanding representatives of our nation.
Today, our guest is Rayisa Zakletska — head of the Zernyatko ensemble and director of the House of Creativity Windy Mountains.
Good afternoon, Ms. Rayisa.
— Good afternoon.
Each episode of our project is devoted to one of the values characteristic of the Ukrainian nation — one of the elements that form our identity.
And today, I’d like to talk about the value of mutual aid.
While preparing for each episode, we explore how this value — in this case, mutual help — appears in Ukrainian folklore and traditions. And I’d like to read to you a short summary of the conclusions we’ve drawn so far.
“Mutual assistance in Ukrainian cultural tradition is a deeply rooted moral principle, a way of living together, and the foundation of social interaction within the community. It’s expressed in rituals, folk poetry, and prose through themes of caring for loved ones, supporting the weak, helping neighbors, and showing hospitality to strangers.”
Ms. Rayisa, what does mutual assistance mean to you personally?
Rayisa Zakletska
For me, mutual assistance is like a whole layer of life that you constantly exist in. Without it, humanity simply wouldn’t have survived.
It truly is — as you’ve said — something that’s woven into our traditions, our history, and our daily life. It’s everywhere.
Even back in Neolithic times, maybe earlier — remember the studies about the Trypillia culture — people lived in settlements where the houses were arranged in a circle. Behind those houses were their gardens and fields. That circle is symbolic — it shows how they lived together, side by side.
Someone looked after the children, someone tended the fields — everyone had their role in that community.
And I believe that sense of community has stayed with us mentally. We see it when we gather at a table, when we work together, when children help their parents dig potatoes. It’s already in us — this instinct for helping each other — part of who we are.
Nik Lysytskiy
In your childhood, did children naturally learn to help adults, or did adults specifically teach them to help? Or was it something that just happened on its own — part of everyday life?
Rayisa Zakletska
As a child, it came naturally, because we always lived as part of a community. Families helped adults with everyday chores — cleaning the house, washing the floor, picking herbs, digging potatoes, herding the cow, or, for example, feeding the chickens.
When I went out to feed the chickens, I’d scatter the grain, and a very handsome rooster would start chasing me. He’d run after me like a true rooster, I’d run from him, and the chickens would run after me! No one could tell who was chasing whom — the rooster after me or the chickens after him. But the chickens were good — they’d run after me and wouldn’t let the rooster peck me.
Nik Lysytskiy
So even the chickens helped and protected you. Do you remember the old toloka gatherings? That well-known tradition when everyone in the village would come together to help someone — harvest, build a house, or do some collective work.
Did you witness that kind of thing in your childhood?
Rayisa Zakletska
Yes, of course. Among neighbors, it was a rule of life — people always helped one another. They’d come together to harvest rye, to tie the sheaves, to pile it up. I was still very small, but I remember people reaping and stacking the grain. I even helped a little — they showed me what to do.
We always worked together because it was too hard for one person alone. People always supported one another. And when we were children, I remember a neighbor would come over in the evenings and tell us fairy tales or sometimes scary stories.
We’d all gather to listen — he’d make us shiver with fear and then say, “Children, study hard, and you’ll know how to behave and what not to do.” Through those stories, through that folklore, we learned about life. Every evening he’d come and tell us new tales — maybe traditional ones, maybe ones he made up himself, who knows.
Nik Lysytskiy
That’s a wonderful example of how, back in every village, there was always a storyteller who knew countless tales. There was no YouTube, no Google back then — and that’s how children were taught folk wisdom and life lessons through storytelling.
Probably, everyone who’s been lucky enough has had moments in life when help appears almost miraculously — when someone suddenly shows up just when you need them.
Have you had moments like that in your life?
Rayisa Zakletska
Yes, there were many moments like that — when you stand there, not knowing what to do, and just cry.
For example, after finishing school, I came to Kyiv to apply to the Theater Institute, to the acting department under Mykola Mashchenko. During the entrance exams, I sang the song “Step by Step”. I had prepared everything that was required for admission, and I successfully passed almost all the stages.
But then something happened — I won’t go into details now — and Mykola Pavlovych Mashchenko told me, “Child, you are wonderful. Come back next year — I will definitely take you.”
He even took me around the classrooms, saying to everyone, “Look at this child who’s applying to us!” I was so thin back then, standing there singing “Step by step, step by step”.
Then I walked out of the Theater Institute onto Khreshchatyk, where it was located, and started walking along the street. Tears were running down my face — I didn’t even realize how I looked. Near the Khreshchatyk metro station, a woman walking toward me suddenly stopped and asked, “What’s wrong, dear?”
I told her what had happened. She said, “Come with me.”
I followed her — and it turned out to be the Ukrainian Radio building. And that woman was the famous announcer Olena Kovalenko.
She said, “Well, sing for me — what did you sing there?” So I sang “Step by step.” Other announcers came out too — Boyko, and a few others — and they said, “Child, you should apply to the Viryovka Choir.”
And that’s how it all happened. I submitted my documents, passed the entrance exams, studied in the Viryovka Choir Studio, and after graduation, when Avdievskyi himself was selecting new members for the professional choir — among huge competition — I was accepted.
And all of that began because of that one woman who appeared, as if from nowhere — Ms. Olena Kovalenko. She changed not only the course of my life, but perhaps even my destiny.
Nik Lysytskiy
And did that moment become an example for you of what it means to help someone? Did it inspire you to help others later in life?
Rayisa Zakletska
Yes, absolutely. It inspired me deeply. And I’ve always tried to help people whenever I could — even before that, I think it was just in my nature.
Whenever I helped someone, I genuinely felt joy from it. I wanted that person to feel that they weren’t alone, that someone cared.
For example, once my friend and I were sewing dresses. She wasn’t happy because her fabric had a flaw, while mine didn’t. So I gave her my whole piece and took the smaller one for myself — just so she wouldn’t be upset.
Later, when she saw my finished dress, she said, “Oh, yours turned out so beautiful!” And that was enough for me — I had added a little something to make it look that way.
I’ve always just wanted people to feel good.
Nik Lysytskiy
And has it ever happened that you helped someone, but that person not only forgot about it — they later refused to help you in return? In other words, they were ungrateful?
Rayisa Zakletska
You know, honestly, when I help someone, I don’t expect gratitude. I just do it because I want to. I help — and that’s already good enough for me.
I can’t even recall a specific instance like that right now. Maybe there were such moments, probably yes — but they passed right by me. I didn’t dwell on them and didn’t take them to heart.
Nik Lysytskiy
There’s an interesting question here. Some people seem to develop a kind of dependence on help — they constantly need support, even when they could manage on their own. I’m not talking about people with disabilities, but about a psychological need to always rely on someone.
Can this constant “helping” actually harm a person more than it helps — when they’re never given the chance to do things themselves?
Rayisa Zakletska
Yes, I think that can happen. Because if a person later realizes they’ve failed to handle something on their own, it becomes hard for them emotionally.
I’ve had situations where I told someone: “You need to change the way you see the world.” It’s not just about crying or complaining that no one helps — it’s about finding the courage to shift your perspective, the courage to be different.
Help will always exist — people will always help each other — but it’s also important for a person to grow, to take responsibility for their own change. And when that happens, when someone truly changes, they often say, “You know, I’m happy now.”
Because they helped themselves — and that’s just as valuable as receiving help from others.
It’s very important to know how to help yourself. I tell children this too when they’re learning something: How can you teach someone who doesn’t want to learn?
You can have the best teachers, parents, mentors, or conditions — but if a person doesn’t want to change, doesn’t want to help themselves — unfortunately, nothing will work.
Nik Lysytskiy
And I imagine that’s something you’ve taught — and still teach — your daughters and granddaughters as well. Or perhaps you inspire them more by your own example?
Rayisa Zakletska
I think my own example matters a lot. But upbringing — if we can call it that — also plays a big role. It’s something that happens every day, naturally.
When you come to your children, cook for them, or in the evening sing a little lullaby or read poetry — that’s also upbringing. For instance, my children knew all of Lina Kostenko’s poems for children by heart because I read them aloud. One poem, or one song, I’d repeat for three days in a row, and then we’d move on to another, and then another.
Later, my daughter Anya once asked me, “Mom, how do I even know all these songs?” And I told her — “Because that’s how it was. That’s what you grew up with.”
I’ve always believed that everything should be built on traditions — if you have that foundation, everything else will fall into place. Because we can’t run away from our roots. Anyone who tries to run from this will stumble somewhere along the way — it’s just unnatural.
And what’s natural, well… it’s like a tree. In spring it blooms, in summer it bears fruit, and in winter it rests. But imagine if it started blooming in winter and withered in spring — it simply wouldn’t survive, or would become too weak.
It’s the same with human nature.
Nik Lysytskiy
Indeed. As I mentioned earlier, in this project we explore folklore as a way to understand Ukrainian values — we study how each of them is reflected in traditions. And when it comes to mutual assistance, it’s clear that it has always been an essential part of our life, in every historical period.
We can see it in songs, fairy tales, and proverbs alike.
If we compare the not-so-distant past — say, your childhood — with today, do you think people help each other less now, or, on the contrary, more?
Rayisa Zakletska
I’d say that today people are helping each other even more. The times are stressful, and I’m not a psychologist, but I feel — both from my own experience and from others — that stress can actually bring out more compassion. People are more willing to give their time and energy to help others.
Nowadays, many people, even after work, find ways to help — bringing food, raising funds, or simply doing something kind for someone else.
For example, my daughter Ivanna — she bakes pies. And not just for the family, but for our soldiers. Homemade pastries, straight from the heart. I’ll come into her kitchen and say, “Ivanna, let me try one.” And she’ll say, “Mom, I’ll bake some for you later — these are for the boys.”
She has three children, she works a lot, but still — she finds the time and energy to do it. She does it out of her own will, late at night if needed. That, to me, is true kindness.
Nik Lysytskiy
Indeed, volunteering has become such a vital part of our lives, especially since 2014. In your view, is this wave of volunteering in Ukraine a continuation of our ancient tradition of mutual assistance — or is it a completely new phenomenon that arose from modern circumstances?
Rayisa Zakletska
This is definitely not a new phenomenon. As I’ve said before — without mutual assistance, humanity simply wouldn’t exist. I may sound repetitive, but it’s true.
It’s just that now, in our time, this value has become more visible, more concrete. Because everyone understands what war is — and we all know that by helping one another, we move faster toward victory. Even if not faster in the literal sense, then certainly stronger in spirit.
When people feel supported, when they feel that others care — they find the strength to keep going, to defend, to fight. That’s incredibly important. It gives us faith, it reminds us that we’re moving in the right direction.
And this isn’t something new — it’s an ancient tradition, going back perhaps even earlier than Trypillia, right up to our own time.
Nik Lysytskiy
Let me remind our viewers that today, in the Archetype of the Nation studio, we’re talking about mutual assistance with Rayisa Zakletska, head of the Zerniatko ensemble.
Speaking of help — in your main work with the ensemble, do you teach children why we should help one another?
Rayisa Zakletska
Yes, it’s woven right into our culture. For example, when we go to the Carpathians on retreats, we always have younger and older children, and the older ones — especially the boys — take care of the younger ones.
I once organized a special “Father’s Day” event. I told the boys, “Tomorrow is Father’s Day. Each of you will take care of a younger girl — like a dad would.”
They had to make sure she woke up on time, had breakfast, got her hair braided, and arrived at her activities. If her hair wasn’t braided, they had to help her or find someone who could.
They’d accompany them to games, play ball with them, and make sure everyone was smiling.
And you know, I was amazed by the result. The boys were so attentive, polite — knocking before entering, making sure everything was appropriate. They watched out for the girls during lunch, checked if they had eaten, if their hair was neat.
They even learned to braid hair! And later in the evening, during our group meeting, they said, “You know, that was so cool. Now we understand what it’s like to be a dad.”
Nik Lysytskiy
That’s wonderful. During your tours, were there any examples of mutual assistance among children that especially stuck with you?
Rayisa Zakletska
Oh, absolutely — it happens all the time. For instance, when we performed in Japan, we didn’t have a large group, but we needed to give a full one-hour concert. Between performances, the kids had to change into completely different costumes.
So those who weren’t on stage helped the others backstage — preparing costumes, helping tie ribbons, buttoning shirts, fixing hair. They could change in just three minutes — that’s what we called one size, meaning a full outfit change.
They helped each other constantly — no one stood aside. If someone younger was sad, everyone would come over, hug them, say, “We’re with you. We’re your friends.”
That kind of care was always there — we didn’t even have to teach it.
Nik Lysytskiy
Is it true that the Zerniatko ensemble raised one million hryvnias during your tour in Germany?
Rayisa Zakletska
Actually, it was even more — closer to two million hryvnias.
When Kyiv was relatively safe again, we received an invitation from the Alla Kinzer Association of Ukrainians Abroad. They asked us to come to Germany to help raise funds for generators and other urgent needs — because at that time, there was no electricity in many places.
I told the children, “You can stay home, rest, or go somewhere for vacation — or we can go and help people who are really struggling.”
And they said, “We’ll go and help.”
One girl was even supposed to visit her grandmother the next day for her engagement celebration. She called her mother and said, “Mom, I’m leaving for Germany tomorrow as a volunteer with Zerniatko to help raise money for generators and other needs.”
Her mom was shocked, but proud.
When we arrived, we performed three or four concerts. The organization was incredible — both Germans and Ukrainians living there wanted to contribute.
Funds were collected, transferred, and used to buy generators, ambulances, an SUV, and other essential supplies. We even personally delivered one of the ambulances and sent hygiene kits, equipment — everything people needed.
When we returned home, I thanked the parents for raising such children. I told them, “You are our future. You will build our country, our spirituality, our worldview, our traditions. I am proud of you — proud that you are who you are today.”
Nik Lysytskiy
Archetype of the Nation is created with the support of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation and is available in different formats — so choose whichever suits you best. Listen, watch, read our episodes, and share your thoughts in the comments, because in this project every opinion matters. And of course, don’t forget to subscribe to our pages and channels so you don’t miss anything new. All the links are in the description below.
I can see that the work of the Zerniatko ensemble is a powerful example of what mutual assistance truly looks like — how it’s lived and practiced. But tell us, how did the idea of creating Zerniatko come about? And why that name?
Rayisa Zakletska
It actually started with mutual assistance too. When I toured abroad with the Veryovka Choir, I saw how warmly people received us — how they admired Ukrainian culture, our traditional songs, our music.
Before that, you know, there was this common belief that “abroad” is somehow better — that everything there is extraordinary, while ours is simple or unremarkable. But that’s not true. Things are good abroad, yes, but they’re just as good here.
Once, I came back from a tour in France. After rehearsal, our conductor Avdiievskyi said, “We’ll have a break, then we’re heading to the Palace ‘Ukraina.’” A few of us ran to the Dnipro Hotel for lunch. But they told us, “Sorry, only foreigners eat here.”
I thought, “Why only foreigners? Aren’t we people too?”
So I started singing a French song — in French. And suddenly they said, “Oh, you’re a foreigner? Then come in!” I laughed — the place was nearly empty. That moment really stuck with me. Why should Ukrainians be treated differently in their own country?
I wanted to change that. I wanted our children to see what life is like abroad, to meet other children, to understand who they are — that they are rich in spirit, that they have enormous cultural wealth.
That’s how Zerniatko was born. I wanted to show our children that we are a people of great history, deep spirituality, and strong traditions — especially traditions of mutual assistance.
In my family, for instance, if we had something special — fish, honey, anything delicious — my parents would always say, “When guests come, we’ll treat them to the best.” And everyone around us lived the same way.
If someone was walking and it started raining, an old lady would rush out with a shawl shouting, “Come here, I’ll cover you!” Once I fell into a puddle and ruined my brand-new coat — it was light-colored, and I was so scared my parents would scold me. But a neighbor smiled and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll clean it — it’ll be as good as new.”
That’s mutual assistance. It’s what keeps us spiritually alive.
This year Zerniatko turned 35 years old. Children come to us with joy — they sing, dance, and create. And our graduates tell me, “We didn’t just learn to sing and dance here. We learned how to communicate, how to coexist, how to be human.”
That’s what I’m most proud of.
Our children join the ensemble as young as three years old, and we welcome all — girls and boys — at the House of Creativity “Windy Mountains” in Kyiv’s Podil district. We’ll gladly teach everything we know.
Over the years, Zerniatko has performed all over the world — in Europe, America, Canada, Japan, Singapore… It’s easier to name the places we haven’t been.
These children are true cultural ambassadors. They show the world what Ukraine is, what our traditions are, what makes us unique. Because through culture, you can truly understand a people — their melodies, their songs, their words reveal their soul.
And then, real friendship begins.
I’ll never forget what happened in Japan. It was during the 2022 Football Championship. After our visit, teachers in several Tokyo schools asked their students to vote for which country they would support if the championship were held there.
And in six entire districts, all the children voted for Ukraine.
The teachers wrote to me about it, and it moved me to tears. It showed how much they felt our warmth, our culture, our sincerity.
Nik Lysytskiy
You and your ensemble often perform folk songs — carols, shchedrivkas, and other traditional choral works. Can we consider a choir itself a kind of model of mutual assistance and harmony within a group?
Rayisa Zakletska
Yes, absolutely. A choir isn’t just about coexistence — it’s something much deeper.
When voices blend together, they create unique vibrations — maybe scientists could explain it better — but these vibrations fill everyone around, both the singers and the listeners. That’s why choral singing has always been so important in our culture. Families used to sing together; people sang in groups — it was a source of joy and emotional balance.
Those vibrations brought peace, happiness, and connection.
So, yes — a choir is much more than just a community.
Nik Lysytskiy
And in a sense, it’s also a form of learning how to live and interact together.
Rayisa Zakletska
Exactly. Singing together teaches children to listen — really listen — and to observe. Many children who come to us can’t reproduce sound correctly at first. People tell them, “You have no ear for music.” But in most cases, they do — it just needs to be awakened.
We work methodically, helping each child discover their inner sound. And when they finally sing — even a simple note — and it comes out right, they’re so happy. You can see how it changes them.
That’s where mutual trust and assistance come in — between teachers and children, and between the children themselves. No one laughs if someone sings off-key. We always say, “Everyone has their own talent. You’ll get it — maybe not today, but you will.”
And it always happens.
That process builds confidence — in themselves, in their abilities. And that confidence shapes their character, their way of interacting with the world.
That’s what mutual assistance really is — something deeply human, something that gives life meaning.
Nik Lysytskiy
Because if you’re not confident in yourself, you can’t really help others.
Rayisa Zakletska
Well, you can help in some ways, but when a person truly has confidence, they act with certainty. Someone might not feel sure, maybe it’s hard for them, so you can help them — and that’s natural. But I think most people, when they help, don’t analyze it that deeply. They don’t think, “I’ll help and that will make me better.” No — first of all, they just want to help someone else, to give them confidence that they can do it.
Because character must be formed, worldview must be formed — many things must take shape before a person can go out into the world and help others. You must first learn to help yourself. If you can help yourself, you’ll know how to help others.
Nik Lysytskiy
In this ensemble, you work alongside your daughters and granddaughters. Would you say that you pass your family values on to the ensemble? And if so, what are those values?
Rayisa Zakletska
Family values are formed within each family — and of course, to some extent, we carry them into our work. Children come from different families, each with their own values, and we respect that.
But during our shared celebrations — like St. Nicholas Day, Christmas, or the Welcoming of Spring — we always express them through our Ukrainian traditions. We try to pass on not just family values, but the spiritual values of the Ukrainian people as a whole. Because yes, family values are important, but each family also has its own special version of them.
Nik Lysytskiy
Now it’s time for our traditional game called “The Folklore Chest.” You’re a happy mother and grandmother, so I’m sure you’ve read Ukrainian folk tales many times and probably know them by heart.
Today’s task — or game — is connected with those tales. We have ten characters from Ukrainian fairy tales — two from each story. In every pair, one hero helped the other. Your task is to match the pairs, name the tale, and tell us who helped whom.
Rayisa Zakletska
Can I take one right away? A cat and a rooster. Yes, that’s clear.
Nik Lysytskiy
What tale is that?
Rayisa Zakletska
The Cat and the Rooster.
Nik Lysytskiy
Who helped whom?
Rayisa Zakletska
The cat helped the rooster, right? You know that one?
Nik Lysytskiy
We won’t spoil it — let’s ask our viewers to write the answer in the comments.
Rayisa Zakletska
Now, Ivasyk Telesyk… the geese, right? Yes, geese. At first, I thought of a fox, but no — it’s the geese. That’s the tale of Ivasyk Telesyk.
Nik Lysytskiy
And who helped whom?
Rayisa Zakletska
The geese helped carry Ivasyk Telesyk.
Nik Lysytskiy
Next one?
Rayisa Zakletska
Hmm, looks like a princess.
Nik Lysytskiy
There are different options…
Rayisa Zakletska
There’s a princess — yes, a princess. When he freed her.
Nik Lysytskiy
Two more tales left.
Rayisa Zakletska
Two more fairy tales, right. The Cat and the Pea. The Cat and the Pea. And… yes, the Cat and the Pea. And the Eagle, I think. Yes, that’s right.
Nik Lysytskiy
There are also longer and shorter versions of that tale.
Rayisa Zakletska
Yes, I remember. The Cat, the Pea, and the Eagle.
Nik Lysytskiy
Do you, dear viewers, know this one? Write in the comments — do you know how the Eagle helped the Cat and the Pea, or maybe the Cat and the Pea helped the Eagle?
Rayisa Zakletska
Yes, and there’s also the Hare and the Crab.
Nik Lysytskiy
What fairy tale is that from?
Rayisa Zakletska
The Hare and the Crab — I think that’s the title of the story itself.
Nik Lysytskiy
And Goat Dereza. This one’s a bit trickier.
Rayisa Zakletska
Oh yes, Goat Dereza! Of course.
Nik Lysytskiy
Do you remember what happened between them?
Rayisa Zakletska
Of course. “I’m Goat Dereza, half-beaten, bought for three kopecks…” and so on.
Nik Lysytskiy
She came and took the house from the Hare.
Rayisa Zakletska
Yes, yes, that’s right.
Nik Lysytskiy
If it hadn’t been for the brave Crab, the Hare would still be without a home. Well, that brings us to the end of the Blitz interview.
Seven quick questions — seven short or not-so-short answers.
What character trait do you value most in people?
Rayisa Zakletska
I have more than one — humanity. Humanity is the most important. But also kindness, loyalty, and courage.
Nik Lysytskiy
And what do you think is the worst trait?
Rayisa Zakletska
Indifference.
Nik Lysytskiy
What inspires you?
Rayisa Zakletska
People.
Nik Lysytskiy
What scares you?
Rayisa Zakletska
People, too.
Nik Lysytskiy
What helped you through difficult moments in life?
Rayisa Zakletska
Faith.
Nik Lysytskiy
The main goal or mission of your life?
Rayisa Zakletska
Maybe it sounds grand, but to make this world a better place — to make it safer, to make sure we value our traditions, our Ukrainian language, our history, and to help one another in this world.
Nik Lysytskiy
If you had to choose three words that describe Ukrainians, what would they be?
Rayisa Zakletska
Divine people.
Nik Lysytskiy
Thank you. And now, it’s time for our segment called “Artifact,” where our guests leave something as a keepsake for the project. I don’t yet know what you’ve brought us today, so please show and tell us about the item you’ll leave as a memory for Archetype of the Nation.
Rayisa Zakletska
I’ll show it in a moment, but first, a few words. This artifact is something we’ve given as a gift in Japan, Canada, Singapore, and many other cities. I’d love for it to travel around our country too, because it’s something very meaningful.
Here, look.
Nik Lysytskiy
How beautiful.
Rayisa Zakletska
This is actually a reproduction of a drawing by Vikentiy Khvoyka, the archaeologist who excavated and discovered the Trypillian culture. It was originally a clay pot — and he illustrated how it would look if you unfolded it flat. What you see here is his original design, but we made a copy and printed it on a handkerchief.
It carries deep meaning because the symbols on this vessel were believed to harmonize the person wearing them — bringing success, health, even healing. Specialists told me this; I didn’t study it myself. So we decided to gift this handkerchief to people who truly inspire us, whom we wish success and well-being.
And today, on behalf of the Zerniatko ensemble, I want to present it to you.
Nik Lysytskiy
Thank you for such a wonderful gift. Our viewers and listeners can see a detailed photo of this artifact on our website. I sincerely thank you for your work, your creativity, and your dedication. Thank you for joining us today — and thank you again for this beautiful gift. Wishing you continued success.
Rayisa Zakletska
Thank you, truly.
Nik Lysytskiy
Friends, today in our studio was Rayisa Zakletska, head of the Zerniatko ensemble and director of the creative center Windy Mountains.
Write in the comments what you found most interesting. Do you think mutual assistance is one of the key values that define the Ukrainian people?
Remember that you can watch episodes of Archetype of the Nation on YouTube, listen on your favorite podcast platforms, and read on our website magicworld.com.ua. There you’ll also find popular science essays by folklorist Maryna Demediuk and recordings of folklore works performed by well-known actors.
Thank you for watching — and see you next time.
