AntonTon
Preface
Poet, writer, and translator Grigor Vitez (February 15, 1911 – November 23, 1966) was the first Croatian author whose children’s poetry was not only as well written as the most accomplished world works, but who also made Croatian poetry for children as popular as that written for adult readers.
Even though there had been laudable children’s poets before Vitez, nobody had made such a qualitative leap with their entire opus like Vitez did. Generally speaking, Croatian children’s poetry was mostly didactic, used themes of little interest, and was replete with ideology. Today, generations of children enjoy Vitez’s Antuntun (AntonTon in the English translation), the poet’s walking and talking trees, and birds that fly out from the Slavonian fields of Vitez’s childhood, just as much as children growing up in the 1950’s marveled at Vitez’s first collection of poems Prepelica (The Quail). Croatian children’s poetry was in dire need of free play and laughter, and Vitez provided this with his understanding of both sides of the best Croatian traditions, both oral and written. He felt and was carried by the rhythm and themes of traditional epic poetry, free of didactic aims. Vitez enjoyed language games and meanings, forming his own words and according them with the sound and meaning of the whole poem, never just for their own sake. Vitez did not hesitate to use nonsensical verse if it suited his poetics, as well as melodic onomatopoeias, sonorous and harmonious rhymes, and rich imagery. Vitez used a range of themes and motifs, from the plant and animal world, across the numerous hues of human emotions, to abstract mood sketches, all of which portray the richness of the world we are part of.
Vitez developed and transformed the best of the Croatian literary tradition to such a degree that he has rightly been dubbed the father of modern Croatian children’s poetry. A teacher by profession, Vitez also worked as a translator, literary critic, editor, and held functions at the Ministry of Education and Croatian Writers’ Association. His repertoire includes more than 500 works for children, many of which have been translated into twenty languages.
Diana Zalar, Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Zagreb
(Adapted from the Preface to Vitez, Grigor. Nevidljive ptice (Invisible Birds). Zagreb: Mozaik knjiga, 2002.)
Reviews
A delightful translation of AntonTon (Antuntun in the original Croatian), a story about a "unique guy who does everything his own way"
Although most families in the U.S. won't know the name of Grigor Vitez, he is considered the "father" of modern Croatian children's literature. Born in 1911, he wrote fiction and poetry for children as well as adults. He is much beloved in his home country. In fact, in his honor, the Grigor Vitez award, established a year after the author's death in 1966, is given to an outstanding children's book each year in Croatia.
Now children can get to know him with a delightful translation of Vitez's AntonTon (Antuntun in the original Croatian), a story about a "unique guy who does everything his own way." AntonTon (who looks like a cross between Woody Guthrie and Daniel Levy) plants eggs in soil, uses a pig to chase mice, and sprinkles sheep with snow. Told in rhyme, this story is goofy enough to entertain children and lyrical enough to please adults. AntonTon is supremely confident and ingenious, and his odd ways are reminiscent of characters found in tall tales and folklore. The whimsical yet vigorous illustrations are by Tomislav Torjanac, the Croatian artist who may be best known as the winner of a contest to illustrate Yann Martel's Life of Pi. Rich in detail, the oil paintings help bring AntonTon to life.
Originally published in Croatia in 2009, this English translation is a welcome addition to any home or library.
Cyrisse Jaffee, The Arts Fuse
_______________________________________
AntonTon is a tender and humorous poem that should be read by every child. It can start many conversations that need to begin in homes, whether there is a child unsure how to express themselves or a child seeing their future path out of the ordinary. AntonTon’s message is of pure, bright joy! We are all different, but we are all amazing! I was smiling as AntonTon used the wheat fields as an ocean, and did other things that take a great deal of imagination and innovation. The illustrations are genuine and original, and the English translation seamless. I loved this book! Five stars!
Annie McDonnell, The Write Review
_______________________________________
What a beautiful book!
The rhymes work beautifully. I'm truly impressed.
Ellen Elias-Bursac
_______________________________________
AntonTon by Grigor Vitez is a slim, sixteen-page book that contains great entertainment and a powerful message that will resonate to both old and young readers, a children's book that older folk need to read. The story is about AntonTon, an eccentric guy who stands out in everything he does. He plants eggs for hatching in the garden soil to grow, uses fine thread to make eggs stand by strand, listens to the dish to determine if food needs salt, gives singing lessons to the fish, keeps the pig indoor, and takes his bike to graze — and there are many unusual things like these about AntonTon of the Umpteenth Village.
This book presents a character with a wild imagination and one who actually follows that imagination. Each page is brightly and intelligently illustrated and the illustrations are so skillfully accomplished that they allow the personality of the protagonist and his world to come alive in the book. Each aspect of AntonTon’s life is condensed in a couple of lines or sentences— in turn hilarious and thought-provoking. The story is boldly written and the idea behind it is one that can ignite creative and innovative conversations amongst children. This is a book that will inspire change and innovation in readers, encouraging them to dare to do things differently, to test and break conventional rules that keep them stuck with what they think they know. As an adult, it was fun reading this book and then having my five-year-old daughter read it to me. She was first captivated by the colorful artwork and said: “Dad, this AntonTon is crazy. He brings his pig inside the house.” But then as I asked questions, she eventually came to the realization that she has grown up doing just what she sees everyone doing and not what she wants to do. Such a tale and the lesson it brings about being unique and different! The translation by Irena Stanic Rasin is brilliant and the illustrations by Tomislav Torjanac bring life to the story and mesmerize readers. It is a beautifully accomplished book for readers who love entertaining and thought-provoking tales for children.
Romuald Dzemo, The Book Commentary
Poet, writer, and translator Grigor Vitez (February 15, 1911 – November 23, 1966) was the first Croatian author whose children’s poetry was not only as well written as the most accomplished world works, but who also made Croatian poetry for children as popular as that written for adult readers.
Even though there had been laudable children’s poets before Vitez, nobody had made such a qualitative leap with their entire opus like Vitez did. Generally speaking, Croatian children’s poetry was mostly didactic, used themes of little interest, and was replete with ideology. Today, generations of children enjoy Vitez’s Antuntun (AntonTon in the English translation), the poet’s walking and talking trees, and birds that fly out from the Slavonian fields of Vitez’s childhood, just as much as children growing up in the 1950’s marveled at Vitez’s first collection of poems Prepelica (The Quail). Croatian children’s poetry was in dire need of free play and laughter, and Vitez provided this with his understanding of both sides of the best Croatian traditions, both oral and written. He felt and was carried by the rhythm and themes of traditional epic poetry, free of didactic aims. Vitez enjoyed language games and meanings, forming his own words and according them with the sound and meaning of the whole poem, never just for their own sake. Vitez did not hesitate to use nonsensical verse if it suited his poetics, as well as melodic onomatopoeias, sonorous and harmonious rhymes, and rich imagery. Vitez used a range of themes and motifs, from the plant and animal world, across the numerous hues of human emotions, to abstract mood sketches, all of which portray the richness of the world we are part of.
Vitez developed and transformed the best of the Croatian literary tradition to such a degree that he has rightly been dubbed the father of modern Croatian children’s poetry. A teacher by profession, Vitez also worked as a translator, literary critic, editor, and held functions at the Ministry of Education and Croatian Writers’ Association. His repertoire includes more than 500 works for children, many of which have been translated into twenty languages.
Diana Zalar, Faculty of Teacher Education, University of Zagreb
(Adapted from the Preface to Vitez, Grigor. Nevidljive ptice (Invisible Birds). Zagreb: Mozaik knjiga, 2002.)
Reviews
A delightful translation of AntonTon (Antuntun in the original Croatian), a story about a "unique guy who does everything his own way"
Although most families in the U.S. won't know the name of Grigor Vitez, he is considered the "father" of modern Croatian children's literature. Born in 1911, he wrote fiction and poetry for children as well as adults. He is much beloved in his home country. In fact, in his honor, the Grigor Vitez award, established a year after the author's death in 1966, is given to an outstanding children's book each year in Croatia.
Now children can get to know him with a delightful translation of Vitez's AntonTon (Antuntun in the original Croatian), a story about a "unique guy who does everything his own way." AntonTon (who looks like a cross between Woody Guthrie and Daniel Levy) plants eggs in soil, uses a pig to chase mice, and sprinkles sheep with snow. Told in rhyme, this story is goofy enough to entertain children and lyrical enough to please adults. AntonTon is supremely confident and ingenious, and his odd ways are reminiscent of characters found in tall tales and folklore. The whimsical yet vigorous illustrations are by Tomislav Torjanac, the Croatian artist who may be best known as the winner of a contest to illustrate Yann Martel's Life of Pi. Rich in detail, the oil paintings help bring AntonTon to life.
Originally published in Croatia in 2009, this English translation is a welcome addition to any home or library.
Cyrisse Jaffee, The Arts Fuse
_______________________________________
AntonTon is a tender and humorous poem that should be read by every child. It can start many conversations that need to begin in homes, whether there is a child unsure how to express themselves or a child seeing their future path out of the ordinary. AntonTon’s message is of pure, bright joy! We are all different, but we are all amazing! I was smiling as AntonTon used the wheat fields as an ocean, and did other things that take a great deal of imagination and innovation. The illustrations are genuine and original, and the English translation seamless. I loved this book! Five stars!
Annie McDonnell, The Write Review
_______________________________________
What a beautiful book!
The rhymes work beautifully. I'm truly impressed.
Ellen Elias-Bursac
_______________________________________
AntonTon by Grigor Vitez is a slim, sixteen-page book that contains great entertainment and a powerful message that will resonate to both old and young readers, a children's book that older folk need to read. The story is about AntonTon, an eccentric guy who stands out in everything he does. He plants eggs for hatching in the garden soil to grow, uses fine thread to make eggs stand by strand, listens to the dish to determine if food needs salt, gives singing lessons to the fish, keeps the pig indoor, and takes his bike to graze — and there are many unusual things like these about AntonTon of the Umpteenth Village.
This book presents a character with a wild imagination and one who actually follows that imagination. Each page is brightly and intelligently illustrated and the illustrations are so skillfully accomplished that they allow the personality of the protagonist and his world to come alive in the book. Each aspect of AntonTon’s life is condensed in a couple of lines or sentences— in turn hilarious and thought-provoking. The story is boldly written and the idea behind it is one that can ignite creative and innovative conversations amongst children. This is a book that will inspire change and innovation in readers, encouraging them to dare to do things differently, to test and break conventional rules that keep them stuck with what they think they know. As an adult, it was fun reading this book and then having my five-year-old daughter read it to me. She was first captivated by the colorful artwork and said: “Dad, this AntonTon is crazy. He brings his pig inside the house.” But then as I asked questions, she eventually came to the realization that she has grown up doing just what she sees everyone doing and not what she wants to do. Such a tale and the lesson it brings about being unique and different! The translation by Irena Stanic Rasin is brilliant and the illustrations by Tomislav Torjanac bring life to the story and mesmerize readers. It is a beautifully accomplished book for readers who love entertaining and thought-provoking tales for children.
Romuald Dzemo, The Book Commentary
Sahranjena ljubav: Dnevnik slučajne pjesnikinje
Nekada davno postojao je u hrvatskoj književnosti običaj da pisci razmjenjuju pjesničke poslanice: u stihovima su jedni drugima pisali o svakodnevnom životu i o književnim tekstovima, ili su te tekstove komentirali. Ali, od tada su prošla stoljeća i ta se navada pomalo zaboravila; moralo je doći ovo naše vrijeme – i s njim tzv. postmodernizam – pa da se pjesnici opet sjete te mogućnosti. Pa je tako Antun Šoljan napisao sonet kojemu je tobože autor Hektorović, upućen je Vetranoviću, a obrađuje i intertekstualno evocira jednu Danteovu temu. Na to je replicirao Tonko Maroević, opet sonetom, a za njim i Jakša Fiamengo, te smo tako dobili zanimljivu malu rukovet međusobno povezanih pjesama. Ipak, takvih dijaloških slučajeva nije bilo mnogo, pa je zato zbirka s kojom ovdje imamo posla pravi kuriozitet.
Stvar je intrigantna čak dvostruko. Prvo, kao predložak služe tekstovi Svena Adama Ewina, zagonetnog pjesnika za kojim kroči cijela masa sljedbenika i obožavatelja. Drugo, na taj je predložak odgovorila jedna pjesnikinja, i to upravo kao žena (kao što i Sven piše iz muške perspektive), stupajući u dijalog s Ewinovim pjesmama. Učinila je to tako što je istoj temi o kojoj govore predlošci pristupila s drugog stajališta, u drugačijem tonu ili s drugačijim zaključcima. Pri tome je važno što je pisala držeći se metričkih propozicija što ih je postavio original i ne udaljavajući se od njegova temeljnog smjera. Nadalje – i ne manje važno – uspjela je pjesnikinja održati zavidnu kvalitativnu razinu: njezin je stih ritmički besprijekoran, rime jedva da su manje originalne od Svenovih, a poante su – barem po pravilu – podjednako iznenadne i začudne. No, sve bi se to moglo smatrati tek uspješnom zanatskom vježbom, da nije proizvelo jednu sasvim novu kvalitetu. Jer, ne samo da su „sekundarne“ pjesme vrijedne upravo po inventivnom načinu na koji se oslanjaju na „primarne“, nego one tim „primarnim“ pjesmama pridaju novo značenje, i to tako što ga otkrivaju, ali i tako što ga dijaloškim putem proizvode. Ukratko, cijeli je projekt nesumnjivo vrijedan truda i možemo biti zadovoljni što smo dobili njegove rezultate.
A možemo biti zadovoljni i zato što smo dobili jednu novu i zanimljivu pjesnikinju. Premda ona nije apsolutni početnik, ovom se zbirkom potvrdila kao nesumnjiva vrijednost naše književnosti.
Pavao Pavličić
__________________________________________________________________________________
Irena Stanić Rašin, književnica koja živi na relaciji Boston-Zagreb, i sama u prologu ističe kako je u strukovnom, vremenskom i prostornom odmaku od hrvatske književnosti. Stoga je upravo preko interneta stjecala barem neki uvid u recentnu literaturu koja se piše u Hrvatskoj. Zanimljivo je da upravo na društvenim mrežama, na Facebooku, nakon ulaska u grupu pjesnika Svena Adama Ewina, ona postaje fascinirana pjesničkim stvaralaštvom autora o kojem malo ili gotovo ništa ne znamo. No Ewin je uspio zaintrigirati književnu javnost i mistifikacijom svoje osobnosti, ali ponajviše svojom poezijom. Riječ je naime o pjesniku, autoru tisuću pjesama, nekoliko pjesničkih knjiga koji je vrstan versifikator, poznavatelj svjetske i hrvatske književne tradicije, ali koji prati i suvremene tokove. Sve to očito je kada se čitaju njegovi soneti, u kojima referira na brojna književna imena. No nije samo riječ o intertekstualnosti. Sven Adam Ewin je i poznavatelj fizike, prirodnih znanosti uopće, pa se u svojoj poeziji u kojoj sve to vješto spaja, ludički igra i svojom književnom persuazijom privlači brojne čitatelje, napose čitateljice. One su, kako i sama Irena Stanić Rašin ističe, ulovljene u njegovu mrežu, zanesene tim umijećem i komunikacije i pjesmotvorenja. (U pjesmi „Mreža“ protagonistica bježi od svog „tamničara“, čak ga i ubija. O tome govore sljedeći stihovi: „ Znam da ću se sutra klatit/ dok nebom vrane kruže –/ jer… krvlju ćeš mi platit/ te proklete mreže – uže.“
Pjesnikinja govori o gurmanskom užitku koji joj je čitanje Ewinove poezije priuštilo. No navučenost na dnevne susrete u virtualnom svijetu koja je postojala je i prije Svenovog nestanka s fejsbuka, a nastavila se i nakon što je naglo prekinuta u veljači ove godine, navodi Irenu da pozove Svena na neku vrst duela. Ona mu se tako približava u njegovoj maniri, u obliku „vs.“ (o tome piše u svojoj napomeni). Ukratko riječ je o formatu u kojem se suprotstavljaju dvije pjesničke kompozicije ili citata, ili, kako ona to sama kaže, o „ogledu stihom na stih“. U tom izravnom obraćanju, prepisci, razgovorima, prepucavanjima, nadmetanjima, autorica većinom komunicira s pjesmama iz Svenove knjige „Ninočka Vasiljevna“. Irena se odvažuje i pritom ipak ograđuje sintagmom „slučajne pjesnikinje“, koja je štiti od interpreta sa sklonošću prema minoriziranju. Fascinantno je kako je pjesnikinja uspjela odgovoriti autoru koji je izmješten i to najčešće iz pozicije Ninočke. Autorica ironizira poziciju ženskog objekta koji se opjevava, izaziva pjesnika, šali se, parodira, a pritom je versifikacijski vješta baš poput pjesnika. Riječ je također o vrlo obrazovanoj i učenoj autorici, anglistici i talijanistici, koja također u svoje pjesme referira na brojne pojmove iz svijeta književnosti. Točnije, pjesnikinja uspješno parira Svenu, ruši stereotipe, predbacuje mu posvećenost i drugim ženama, u toj kako kaže, Facebook bašči. Pritom ona uzima također ime knjiško, a to je S.IRENA, ime koje je podsjeća na djetinjstvo, ali i na bajkovitost. Autorica zapravo i tu bajkovitost koja se ogleda u nabujaloj metaforičnoj ornamentici ironizira, otklanja sve te koprene iluzije i nastavlja polako riječima ogrepsti zanesenog autora koji trubadurski veliča svoju Ninočku. Irenini odgovori pjesmama duhoviti su, puni jezičnih igara, metamorfoza, obrata, pjesničkih figura, eufonije, pa čitatelji imaju jedinstven užitak, jouissance jer čitaju paralelno i Svena i Irenu, ovaj puta u obrnutoj ulozi. Autorica u svoj pjesnički rukopis interpolira i fusnote s objašnjenjima, umetke koji se odnose na njezin stvarni život, operaciju, a posebno bih istaknula i intermedijalni element, jer su uz stihove postavljeni i vizualni prilozi koji na duhovit način komentiraju igru riječi i zavođenja. Tako na primjer, uz pjesmu „Ja sam zapravo Venera, ali to nemojte reći Svenu iliti kako se liječi agitirana depresija“ stoji fotografija Cabanelova Rođenja Venere. Posebno treba izdvojiti Irenin neologizam svenirati koji ima više značenja, a odnosi se na praćenje i komentiranje Svenove poezije, kao čitalačke opsesije. Izdvojila bih i kao posebnu pjesmu „Sahranjena ljubav“ u kojoj pjesnikinja govori o ostavljenosti, na jedinstven način, i elegično i blago ironično: „Plutat ću Jenisej-rijekom,/ mrtva, uzduž i poprijeko,/ dok ne uhvati me neko/ mrežom, ko u pjesmi./ Svijet će reći – Jadna žena./ Od Svena bje ostavljena./ Ljubav joj je sahranjena/ u knjizi, u pjesmi.-„ Naravno da su te slike i izraz krajnje hiperbolički kako bi naglasili i burne emocije, strast, tobožnju ljutnju, uvrijeđenost, a zapravo je riječ o pjesničkom šlagvortu, persuaziji, i prije svega, poštovanju. Jer samo autorica koja toliko poštuje nečije stvaralaštvo, može se s takvom pažnjom prema njemu odnositi. Naposljetku, nije niti važno tko je uistinu Sven Adam Ewin kao fizičko, građansko lice. On je protejsko biće, može imati razna lica, on je metafora mnogostrukosti, onog što je Paul Valery nazvao personnalité i moi, s jedne strane osoba za javnost, s druge strane ono unutrašnje biće koje nije spoznatljivo javnim djelovanjem. Najvažnije je da je Sven Adam Ewin svojim djelovanjem i pisanjem uspio povezati brojne čitatelje i čitateljice u prostoru virtualnog svijeta, kroz energiju prijateljstva i posvećenosti književnosti. Uostalom, zato se i pojavila ova sjajna knjiga, kao hommage pjesniku, ljubavi i kao užitak u stvaranju. I na kraju, ova je knjiga izvrsna i zato jer pokazuje i zavidno versifikacijsko i stilističko umijeće autorice koja umije pisati i elizabetanski i petrarkistički sonet, limerick, petrarkističku kanconu, akrostih, bećarac, kao i epsku pjesmu. U svim tim oblicima, ona nalazi svoj jedinstveni pjesnički glas.
Darija Žilić
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Složili ste vrlo zanimljivu knjigu. Možda je to model za književnost 21. stoljeća: komunikacija, igra, drama, zbilja, virtualije - sve u jednome kolopletu.
Josip Užarević
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Sahranjena ljubav, a magnificent delight! Imagery and wordsmithing fabulous, magical. Book physical execution is something to behold - format, size, cover & paper feel, layout, illustrations, font type & size. This creation is something very special.
Dinko Vujic
Stvar je intrigantna čak dvostruko. Prvo, kao predložak služe tekstovi Svena Adama Ewina, zagonetnog pjesnika za kojim kroči cijela masa sljedbenika i obožavatelja. Drugo, na taj je predložak odgovorila jedna pjesnikinja, i to upravo kao žena (kao što i Sven piše iz muške perspektive), stupajući u dijalog s Ewinovim pjesmama. Učinila je to tako što je istoj temi o kojoj govore predlošci pristupila s drugog stajališta, u drugačijem tonu ili s drugačijim zaključcima. Pri tome je važno što je pisala držeći se metričkih propozicija što ih je postavio original i ne udaljavajući se od njegova temeljnog smjera. Nadalje – i ne manje važno – uspjela je pjesnikinja održati zavidnu kvalitativnu razinu: njezin je stih ritmički besprijekoran, rime jedva da su manje originalne od Svenovih, a poante su – barem po pravilu – podjednako iznenadne i začudne. No, sve bi se to moglo smatrati tek uspješnom zanatskom vježbom, da nije proizvelo jednu sasvim novu kvalitetu. Jer, ne samo da su „sekundarne“ pjesme vrijedne upravo po inventivnom načinu na koji se oslanjaju na „primarne“, nego one tim „primarnim“ pjesmama pridaju novo značenje, i to tako što ga otkrivaju, ali i tako što ga dijaloškim putem proizvode. Ukratko, cijeli je projekt nesumnjivo vrijedan truda i možemo biti zadovoljni što smo dobili njegove rezultate.
A možemo biti zadovoljni i zato što smo dobili jednu novu i zanimljivu pjesnikinju. Premda ona nije apsolutni početnik, ovom se zbirkom potvrdila kao nesumnjiva vrijednost naše književnosti.
Pavao Pavličić
__________________________________________________________________________________
Irena Stanić Rašin, književnica koja živi na relaciji Boston-Zagreb, i sama u prologu ističe kako je u strukovnom, vremenskom i prostornom odmaku od hrvatske književnosti. Stoga je upravo preko interneta stjecala barem neki uvid u recentnu literaturu koja se piše u Hrvatskoj. Zanimljivo je da upravo na društvenim mrežama, na Facebooku, nakon ulaska u grupu pjesnika Svena Adama Ewina, ona postaje fascinirana pjesničkim stvaralaštvom autora o kojem malo ili gotovo ništa ne znamo. No Ewin je uspio zaintrigirati književnu javnost i mistifikacijom svoje osobnosti, ali ponajviše svojom poezijom. Riječ je naime o pjesniku, autoru tisuću pjesama, nekoliko pjesničkih knjiga koji je vrstan versifikator, poznavatelj svjetske i hrvatske književne tradicije, ali koji prati i suvremene tokove. Sve to očito je kada se čitaju njegovi soneti, u kojima referira na brojna književna imena. No nije samo riječ o intertekstualnosti. Sven Adam Ewin je i poznavatelj fizike, prirodnih znanosti uopće, pa se u svojoj poeziji u kojoj sve to vješto spaja, ludički igra i svojom književnom persuazijom privlači brojne čitatelje, napose čitateljice. One su, kako i sama Irena Stanić Rašin ističe, ulovljene u njegovu mrežu, zanesene tim umijećem i komunikacije i pjesmotvorenja. (U pjesmi „Mreža“ protagonistica bježi od svog „tamničara“, čak ga i ubija. O tome govore sljedeći stihovi: „ Znam da ću se sutra klatit/ dok nebom vrane kruže –/ jer… krvlju ćeš mi platit/ te proklete mreže – uže.“
Pjesnikinja govori o gurmanskom užitku koji joj je čitanje Ewinove poezije priuštilo. No navučenost na dnevne susrete u virtualnom svijetu koja je postojala je i prije Svenovog nestanka s fejsbuka, a nastavila se i nakon što je naglo prekinuta u veljači ove godine, navodi Irenu da pozove Svena na neku vrst duela. Ona mu se tako približava u njegovoj maniri, u obliku „vs.“ (o tome piše u svojoj napomeni). Ukratko riječ je o formatu u kojem se suprotstavljaju dvije pjesničke kompozicije ili citata, ili, kako ona to sama kaže, o „ogledu stihom na stih“. U tom izravnom obraćanju, prepisci, razgovorima, prepucavanjima, nadmetanjima, autorica većinom komunicira s pjesmama iz Svenove knjige „Ninočka Vasiljevna“. Irena se odvažuje i pritom ipak ograđuje sintagmom „slučajne pjesnikinje“, koja je štiti od interpreta sa sklonošću prema minoriziranju. Fascinantno je kako je pjesnikinja uspjela odgovoriti autoru koji je izmješten i to najčešće iz pozicije Ninočke. Autorica ironizira poziciju ženskog objekta koji se opjevava, izaziva pjesnika, šali se, parodira, a pritom je versifikacijski vješta baš poput pjesnika. Riječ je također o vrlo obrazovanoj i učenoj autorici, anglistici i talijanistici, koja također u svoje pjesme referira na brojne pojmove iz svijeta književnosti. Točnije, pjesnikinja uspješno parira Svenu, ruši stereotipe, predbacuje mu posvećenost i drugim ženama, u toj kako kaže, Facebook bašči. Pritom ona uzima također ime knjiško, a to je S.IRENA, ime koje je podsjeća na djetinjstvo, ali i na bajkovitost. Autorica zapravo i tu bajkovitost koja se ogleda u nabujaloj metaforičnoj ornamentici ironizira, otklanja sve te koprene iluzije i nastavlja polako riječima ogrepsti zanesenog autora koji trubadurski veliča svoju Ninočku. Irenini odgovori pjesmama duhoviti su, puni jezičnih igara, metamorfoza, obrata, pjesničkih figura, eufonije, pa čitatelji imaju jedinstven užitak, jouissance jer čitaju paralelno i Svena i Irenu, ovaj puta u obrnutoj ulozi. Autorica u svoj pjesnički rukopis interpolira i fusnote s objašnjenjima, umetke koji se odnose na njezin stvarni život, operaciju, a posebno bih istaknula i intermedijalni element, jer su uz stihove postavljeni i vizualni prilozi koji na duhovit način komentiraju igru riječi i zavođenja. Tako na primjer, uz pjesmu „Ja sam zapravo Venera, ali to nemojte reći Svenu iliti kako se liječi agitirana depresija“ stoji fotografija Cabanelova Rođenja Venere. Posebno treba izdvojiti Irenin neologizam svenirati koji ima više značenja, a odnosi se na praćenje i komentiranje Svenove poezije, kao čitalačke opsesije. Izdvojila bih i kao posebnu pjesmu „Sahranjena ljubav“ u kojoj pjesnikinja govori o ostavljenosti, na jedinstven način, i elegično i blago ironično: „Plutat ću Jenisej-rijekom,/ mrtva, uzduž i poprijeko,/ dok ne uhvati me neko/ mrežom, ko u pjesmi./ Svijet će reći – Jadna žena./ Od Svena bje ostavljena./ Ljubav joj je sahranjena/ u knjizi, u pjesmi.-„ Naravno da su te slike i izraz krajnje hiperbolički kako bi naglasili i burne emocije, strast, tobožnju ljutnju, uvrijeđenost, a zapravo je riječ o pjesničkom šlagvortu, persuaziji, i prije svega, poštovanju. Jer samo autorica koja toliko poštuje nečije stvaralaštvo, može se s takvom pažnjom prema njemu odnositi. Naposljetku, nije niti važno tko je uistinu Sven Adam Ewin kao fizičko, građansko lice. On je protejsko biće, može imati razna lica, on je metafora mnogostrukosti, onog što je Paul Valery nazvao personnalité i moi, s jedne strane osoba za javnost, s druge strane ono unutrašnje biće koje nije spoznatljivo javnim djelovanjem. Najvažnije je da je Sven Adam Ewin svojim djelovanjem i pisanjem uspio povezati brojne čitatelje i čitateljice u prostoru virtualnog svijeta, kroz energiju prijateljstva i posvećenosti književnosti. Uostalom, zato se i pojavila ova sjajna knjiga, kao hommage pjesniku, ljubavi i kao užitak u stvaranju. I na kraju, ova je knjiga izvrsna i zato jer pokazuje i zavidno versifikacijsko i stilističko umijeće autorice koja umije pisati i elizabetanski i petrarkistički sonet, limerick, petrarkističku kanconu, akrostih, bećarac, kao i epsku pjesmu. U svim tim oblicima, ona nalazi svoj jedinstveni pjesnički glas.
Darija Žilić
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Složili ste vrlo zanimljivu knjigu. Možda je to model za književnost 21. stoljeća: komunikacija, igra, drama, zbilja, virtualije - sve u jednome kolopletu.
Josip Užarević
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Sahranjena ljubav, a magnificent delight! Imagery and wordsmithing fabulous, magical. Book physical execution is something to behold - format, size, cover & paper feel, layout, illustrations, font type & size. This creation is something very special.
Dinko Vujic
When Hen Goes to Market
"Based on a cumulative nursery rhyme often heard in her Croatian childhood, Irena Stanic Rasin’s
When Hen Was On Her Way to Market is a folktale told with lively humor and attention to Croatian culture.
The bossy hen is on her way to market with a basket of eggs when she muddies her foot. In a succession of demands on the local flora, fauna, and villagers, Hen learns the usefulness of courtesy and respect when none of her requests are heeded.
Ivana Rasin illustrated this tale with authentic Croatian images in vivid color. Ms. Stanic Rasin chose each word to exactly fit the sense of the story, offering young readers rich vocabulary within a pattern that invites children to anticipate and join the repeating phrases: “No way!” in response to Hen’s imperious orders. In a particularly hilarious conclusion, Hen’s memory falters when her face is muddied after tripping on a pumpkin pile at market. “How did it go again?” she asks, trying to recall the lesson just learned. Her young readers will know."
Marion Reynolds, Tufts University
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Who hasn't ever been Hen in their life? This book is fabulous to work through with children and even gave me a kick in the butt!! The story is an incredible reminder to all (adults and children alike) that we should not take others for granted and should choose kindness and gentleness over harsh commands. While the story and the illustrations are worth every penny, I would recommend an author visit that comes complete with hand made puppets; they are amazing!!!
Michelle Goldshlag, Cultured Kids, Co-Founder and CEO
WHEN HEN WAS ON HER WAY TO MARKETI so enjoyed Ms. Rasin's presentation of her book, When Hen Was on Her Way to Market for my Pre-K class. She makes the story come alive through the use puppets and her engaging presentation. When Hen Was on Her Way to Market is a wonderful story with a special message for children today on the importance of being kind and respectful to others.
Donna Cantera-Davis, Pre-K4B Teacher
The kids had a great time and we love the book!
Danielle Harrell, Cultural Enrichment Co-Chair
Brackett Elementary School, Arlington, MA
The residents loved Irena’s presentation. She had an exquisite display of Croatian clothing, embroidery, and handicrafts. She talked about how animals, unlike humans, all “speak” the same language, yet different languages have different words for the sounds each animal makes. Irena put on an amazing puppet show with her handmade puppets. Our residents were entranced; this is a presentation not to be missed.
Paula Feldman
Vibrant Living Director
Brightview Arlington Assisted Living, Arlington, MA
I heard Irena Stanic Rasin's presentation at a local festival when I was setting up my art exhibit. I was so mesmerized by her wit and her visuals that I stopped what I was doing to listen and was rewarded by stunning drawings and interesting tidbits about her country of origin woven into a story. I then decided to also participate in the interactive puppet show. The story is funny and entertaining, her puppets are smart and colorful, and in no time Irena had us all laughing, moving and making funny noises. I had so much fun!
Lidia Kenig-Scher, visual artist
LidiaScherArt
What a treat for us! [The children] really enjoyed the retelling of the story with the puppets. They LOVED the puppets and could not believe you made them. Many also commented on how they liked your accent.
Lori Hill
Library Media Technology Teacher
Barrows Elementary School, Reading, MA
I liked the lesson the book taught us - don’t be bossy!
I liked how she retold the story using the puppets, I really liked the shrub.
I liked the puppets and getting to learn about where she came from.
I really liked the part when she retold the story.
It was funny.
said students in 2nd grade.
I was impressed with Irena's presentation of her new book When Hen Was on Her Way to Market at Barnes and Noble. Irena made a real connection with her audience - the children were eagerly involved in helping her tell the story with puppets that she created.
Darlyne A. Murawski, Ph.D.
nature photographer and writer, author of The Ultimate Bugopedia
(published by National Geographic and coauthored by N. Honovich)
We were so happy with your visit!!
[The students] really enjoyed your retelling of the story using the puppets! Your movement around the room helped keep [the students] engaged. They loved showing off their knowledge of Croatia for you but they also loved seeing your traditional dress, hearing your accent, looking at your hearts, umbrellas, and sea sponge! We all enjoyed seeing students as pictured in the movie clip and singing the song with you.
Cheri Eastwood
Librarian
Kensington Elementary School, NH
And here's what students in grades K-5 said:
She acted out her story for us.
She wore traditional Croatian clothes.
She showed us some facts about Croatia.
She brought a table full of things from Croatia for us to see.
She showed us a map from Croatia.
She showed us red hearts.
She showed us the red umbrella souvenirs.
She had a big sponge to show us.
We saw a video from a Croatian movie where children sang a song in a round, then we got to sing it too.
She inspired us to read her book by giving us a puppet show.
The story taught us to be nice.
She signed the books.
When Hen Was On Her Way to Market is a folktale told with lively humor and attention to Croatian culture.
The bossy hen is on her way to market with a basket of eggs when she muddies her foot. In a succession of demands on the local flora, fauna, and villagers, Hen learns the usefulness of courtesy and respect when none of her requests are heeded.
Ivana Rasin illustrated this tale with authentic Croatian images in vivid color. Ms. Stanic Rasin chose each word to exactly fit the sense of the story, offering young readers rich vocabulary within a pattern that invites children to anticipate and join the repeating phrases: “No way!” in response to Hen’s imperious orders. In a particularly hilarious conclusion, Hen’s memory falters when her face is muddied after tripping on a pumpkin pile at market. “How did it go again?” she asks, trying to recall the lesson just learned. Her young readers will know."
Marion Reynolds, Tufts University
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Who hasn't ever been Hen in their life? This book is fabulous to work through with children and even gave me a kick in the butt!! The story is an incredible reminder to all (adults and children alike) that we should not take others for granted and should choose kindness and gentleness over harsh commands. While the story and the illustrations are worth every penny, I would recommend an author visit that comes complete with hand made puppets; they are amazing!!!
Michelle Goldshlag, Cultured Kids, Co-Founder and CEO
WHEN HEN WAS ON HER WAY TO MARKETI so enjoyed Ms. Rasin's presentation of her book, When Hen Was on Her Way to Market for my Pre-K class. She makes the story come alive through the use puppets and her engaging presentation. When Hen Was on Her Way to Market is a wonderful story with a special message for children today on the importance of being kind and respectful to others.
Donna Cantera-Davis, Pre-K4B Teacher
The kids had a great time and we love the book!
Danielle Harrell, Cultural Enrichment Co-Chair
Brackett Elementary School, Arlington, MA
The residents loved Irena’s presentation. She had an exquisite display of Croatian clothing, embroidery, and handicrafts. She talked about how animals, unlike humans, all “speak” the same language, yet different languages have different words for the sounds each animal makes. Irena put on an amazing puppet show with her handmade puppets. Our residents were entranced; this is a presentation not to be missed.
Paula Feldman
Vibrant Living Director
Brightview Arlington Assisted Living, Arlington, MA
I heard Irena Stanic Rasin's presentation at a local festival when I was setting up my art exhibit. I was so mesmerized by her wit and her visuals that I stopped what I was doing to listen and was rewarded by stunning drawings and interesting tidbits about her country of origin woven into a story. I then decided to also participate in the interactive puppet show. The story is funny and entertaining, her puppets are smart and colorful, and in no time Irena had us all laughing, moving and making funny noises. I had so much fun!
Lidia Kenig-Scher, visual artist
LidiaScherArt
What a treat for us! [The children] really enjoyed the retelling of the story with the puppets. They LOVED the puppets and could not believe you made them. Many also commented on how they liked your accent.
Lori Hill
Library Media Technology Teacher
Barrows Elementary School, Reading, MA
I liked the lesson the book taught us - don’t be bossy!
I liked how she retold the story using the puppets, I really liked the shrub.
I liked the puppets and getting to learn about where she came from.
I really liked the part when she retold the story.
It was funny.
said students in 2nd grade.
I was impressed with Irena's presentation of her new book When Hen Was on Her Way to Market at Barnes and Noble. Irena made a real connection with her audience - the children were eagerly involved in helping her tell the story with puppets that she created.
Darlyne A. Murawski, Ph.D.
nature photographer and writer, author of The Ultimate Bugopedia
(published by National Geographic and coauthored by N. Honovich)
We were so happy with your visit!!
[The students] really enjoyed your retelling of the story using the puppets! Your movement around the room helped keep [the students] engaged. They loved showing off their knowledge of Croatia for you but they also loved seeing your traditional dress, hearing your accent, looking at your hearts, umbrellas, and sea sponge! We all enjoyed seeing students as pictured in the movie clip and singing the song with you.
Cheri Eastwood
Librarian
Kensington Elementary School, NH
And here's what students in grades K-5 said:
She acted out her story for us.
She wore traditional Croatian clothes.
She showed us some facts about Croatia.
She brought a table full of things from Croatia for us to see.
She showed us a map from Croatia.
She showed us red hearts.
She showed us the red umbrella souvenirs.
She had a big sponge to show us.
We saw a video from a Croatian movie where children sang a song in a round, then we got to sing it too.
She inspired us to read her book by giving us a puppet show.
The story taught us to be nice.
She signed the books.
THE CHALLENGES OF LITERARY TRANSLATION
Irena Stanic Rasin’s lecture on the dynamics involved in translating from one language to another is both engaging and highly informative. She skillfully explores this topic in tandem with the introduction and review of the novel entitled Threshold (Sulla soglia) written by Gianna Manzini and first published in 1973. Ms. Stanic Rasin translated this magical literary work from Italian into English with Laura E. Ruberto.
The writing style employed by Manzini, with its dreamlike quality, the overt and covert infusion of symbolism, idiomatic language, the ambiguities of culturally bound content and context, the use of self-reflection and flashbacks, provides the major framework upon which Ms. Stanic Rasin builds her presentation. In other words, these and many more considerations and factors are but some of obstacles and challenges to the creative art and process of unobtrusively and accurately crossing over (i.e. translating meaning) from one language and cultural context to another.
My personal take-away from Ms. Stanic Rasin’s lecture is a heightened appreciation of the subtleties, nuances, and high degree of skill required to bring relevancy and life to a work of translation; literary translation being but one of the many types of translations she brings to the attention of her audience.
Melvena L. Green, Ed.D.
Educator in the fields of Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language
Literary translations are often taken for granted by readers. For translators, they are works of art in their own right. Going beyond linguistics, Irena Stanic Rasin used her first-hand experience as a translator to explore the not-frequently-thought-of obstacles translators face. Using Gianna Manzini’s book Sulla soglia (Threshold) , easy-to-comprehend examples in Italian, and the backdrop of Eataly Boston, Stanic Rasin engaged readers to gain new perspective on literary translations.
Raquel Hitt
Director of Operations
Boston Book Festival
Irena Stanic Rasin’s lecture on the dynamics involved in translating from one language to another is both engaging and highly informative. She skillfully explores this topic in tandem with the introduction and review of the novel entitled Threshold (Sulla soglia) written by Gianna Manzini and first published in 1973. Ms. Stanic Rasin translated this magical literary work from Italian into English with Laura E. Ruberto.
The writing style employed by Manzini, with its dreamlike quality, the overt and covert infusion of symbolism, idiomatic language, the ambiguities of culturally bound content and context, the use of self-reflection and flashbacks, provides the major framework upon which Ms. Stanic Rasin builds her presentation. In other words, these and many more considerations and factors are but some of obstacles and challenges to the creative art and process of unobtrusively and accurately crossing over (i.e. translating meaning) from one language and cultural context to another.
My personal take-away from Ms. Stanic Rasin’s lecture is a heightened appreciation of the subtleties, nuances, and high degree of skill required to bring relevancy and life to a work of translation; literary translation being but one of the many types of translations she brings to the attention of her audience.
Melvena L. Green, Ed.D.
Educator in the fields of Bilingual Education and English as a Second Language
Literary translations are often taken for granted by readers. For translators, they are works of art in their own right. Going beyond linguistics, Irena Stanic Rasin used her first-hand experience as a translator to explore the not-frequently-thought-of obstacles translators face. Using Gianna Manzini’s book Sulla soglia (Threshold) , easy-to-comprehend examples in Italian, and the backdrop of Eataly Boston, Stanic Rasin engaged readers to gain new perspective on literary translations.
Raquel Hitt
Director of Operations
Boston Book Festival
THE GOOD, THE WISE, AND THE LUSTY: WOMEN IN BOCCACCIO'S DECAMERONThank you again for treating us to the Decameron. The art you assembled brilliantly complemented your presentation! And your Wheel of Fortune approach to choosing and ordering the stories left us wanting more. You were clearly so familiar with the material, and I appreciated your ability to answer questions so knowledgeably in a broader literary context. You also struck a good balance between straight lecture and student engagement.
Elizabeth Weber
Dear Irena,
I want to let you know how much I enjoyed the course you led entitled, "The Good, the Wise and the Lusty: Women in Boccaccio's Decameron." Our group discussions of various tales from this masterful piece of literature were lively and interesting. Your own insightful and well-researched commentaries, accompanied by PowerPoint depictions of the beautiful art work and references to relevant literary excerpts from the period, greatly enhanced our levels of discussion. Thank you.
Melvena Green, Ed.D., Retired Educator
Dear Irena, grazie mille!
You are a gifted teacher and I enjoyed the course immensely. You are funny, well prepared, and knowledgeable. It was the right mixture of reading, discussion, and background materials. You brought to life a period in European Italian history that I had not had that much exposure to (late Middle Ages, early Renaissance), other than what Goethe wrote about his Italian travels. You put in so much effort in your presentations.
Oliver Freudenreich
I purchased Boccaccio’s Decameron many years ago and every time I started to read it, I put down the book. Now, after this introductory course, I can’t put down the book.
Evelyn F. Fowler
Elizabeth Weber
Dear Irena,
I want to let you know how much I enjoyed the course you led entitled, "The Good, the Wise and the Lusty: Women in Boccaccio's Decameron." Our group discussions of various tales from this masterful piece of literature were lively and interesting. Your own insightful and well-researched commentaries, accompanied by PowerPoint depictions of the beautiful art work and references to relevant literary excerpts from the period, greatly enhanced our levels of discussion. Thank you.
Melvena Green, Ed.D., Retired Educator
Dear Irena, grazie mille!
You are a gifted teacher and I enjoyed the course immensely. You are funny, well prepared, and knowledgeable. It was the right mixture of reading, discussion, and background materials. You brought to life a period in European Italian history that I had not had that much exposure to (late Middle Ages, early Renaissance), other than what Goethe wrote about his Italian travels. You put in so much effort in your presentations.
Oliver Freudenreich
I purchased Boccaccio’s Decameron many years ago and every time I started to read it, I put down the book. Now, after this introductory course, I can’t put down the book.
Evelyn F. Fowler
DANTE'S INFERNO: AN ALLEGORICAL JOURNEY THEN AND NOW
Thank you for taking us through hell! I had studied The Divine Comedy way back in college. It was great fun to have you point out highlights, provide historical background, and offer so much art along the way.
Parrish Dobson
Thank you for putting this course together. I enjoyed it immensely, and I learned a lot. You are such a dedicated, energetic, erudite, and effective teacher. I liked your reading the Italian and your images to augment the readings.
Oliver Freudenreich
Thank you for a provocative class. I would never have gotten through the 'Inferno' on my own! It was very helpful to have someone guide me through a close reading of the text. The paintings and illustrations also enhanced my experience of the text.
James Lindsay
Thank you for taking us through hell! I had studied The Divine Comedy way back in college. It was great fun to have you point out highlights, provide historical background, and offer so much art along the way.
Parrish Dobson
Thank you for putting this course together. I enjoyed it immensely, and I learned a lot. You are such a dedicated, energetic, erudite, and effective teacher. I liked your reading the Italian and your images to augment the readings.
Oliver Freudenreich
Thank you for a provocative class. I would never have gotten through the 'Inferno' on my own! It was very helpful to have someone guide me through a close reading of the text. The paintings and illustrations also enhanced my experience of the text.
James Lindsay
SCHEDULE A LECTURE OR AN AUTHOR VISIT FOR YOUR LIFELONG LEARNING PROGRAM, SCHOOL, LIBRARY OR OTHER VENUE
Lady Luna or Mister Moon?
How Language Shapes Thought
Do people who speak different languages see the world differently? To what extent do the conventions of our spoken language affect the way we think? To explore these questions, we will focus on three topics—color terms, grammatical gender, and the concept of time—across several languages.
You might be surprised to learn, for example, that different languages have a different number of basic color terms; some have 12, some 11, and others only two!
As a speaker of English—a language that, unlike Spanish, does not assign grammatical gender to inanimate objects—imagine that you needed to portray a book, the Moon, or Death, as a person. Would they be masculine or feminine? Why?
Finally, in English, we think of time as a linear concept. But in other languages, time and tense defy linear chronology with their reverse, or even circular, perception of time. Examples abound. Please join us as we challenge our linguistic preconceptions and reveal the patterns contained in a given language. It's about time we broaden our horizons!
Age: high school and older, 45 min to 2 hrs
How Language Shapes Thought
Do people who speak different languages see the world differently? To what extent do the conventions of our spoken language affect the way we think? To explore these questions, we will focus on three topics—color terms, grammatical gender, and the concept of time—across several languages.
You might be surprised to learn, for example, that different languages have a different number of basic color terms; some have 12, some 11, and others only two!
As a speaker of English—a language that, unlike Spanish, does not assign grammatical gender to inanimate objects—imagine that you needed to portray a book, the Moon, or Death, as a person. Would they be masculine or feminine? Why?
Finally, in English, we think of time as a linear concept. But in other languages, time and tense defy linear chronology with their reverse, or even circular, perception of time. Examples abound. Please join us as we challenge our linguistic preconceptions and reveal the patterns contained in a given language. It's about time we broaden our horizons!
Age: high school and older, 45 min to 2 hrs
The Challenges of Literary Translation
Literary translations are often taken for granted by readers. For translators, they are works of art in their own right. Going beyond linguistics, Irena Stanic Rasin uses her first-hand experience as a translator to explore the not-frequently-thought-of obstacles translators face. Using Gianna Manzini’s novel Sulla soglia (Threshold), easy-to-comprehend examples in Italian, as well as examples of poetry translations from the fascinating book Le Ton beau de Marot: In Praise of the Music of Language by Douglas Hofstadter, Irena engages readers to gain new perspective on literary translations.
Age: high school and older, 45 min
Literary translations are often taken for granted by readers. For translators, they are works of art in their own right. Going beyond linguistics, Irena Stanic Rasin uses her first-hand experience as a translator to explore the not-frequently-thought-of obstacles translators face. Using Gianna Manzini’s novel Sulla soglia (Threshold), easy-to-comprehend examples in Italian, as well as examples of poetry translations from the fascinating book Le Ton beau de Marot: In Praise of the Music of Language by Douglas Hofstadter, Irena engages readers to gain new perspective on literary translations.
Age: high school and older, 45 min
Strip, jezik i intertekstualnost: Fenomen pop kulture Alan Ford u hrvatskom prijevodu Nenada Brixyja
Brixyjev prijevod kultnoga satiričnog stripa Alan Ford talijanskoga dvojca Secchi-Raviola u bivšoj je Jugoslaviji postao fenomenom popularne kulture, a taj status uživa i danas u državama sljednicama. Polazeći od kategorija „parodija“ i „prijevod“ kao oblika intertekstualnosti ovaj će rad razmotriti prevođenje intertekstualnih postupaka u nekoliko kategorija, uključujući književnost, glazbu, slikarstvo, povijesne događaje i ličnosti i proizvode masovne uporabe. Izuzetna popularnost Brixyjeva prijevoda kao samostalnoga i punopravnoga teksta objasnit će se ne samo uspješnim iznalaženjem intertekstualnih kulturno-jezičnih ekvivalenata izvornim predlošcima, koji rezoniraju u kulturi i jeziku prijevoda, već i načinima na koje Brixy, kroz nove referencije i duhovitost ostvaruje svoju vlastitu parodičnost i intertekstualnost.
Dob: srednjoškolci i odrasli, 45 min
Brixyjev prijevod kultnoga satiričnog stripa Alan Ford talijanskoga dvojca Secchi-Raviola u bivšoj je Jugoslaviji postao fenomenom popularne kulture, a taj status uživa i danas u državama sljednicama. Polazeći od kategorija „parodija“ i „prijevod“ kao oblika intertekstualnosti ovaj će rad razmotriti prevođenje intertekstualnih postupaka u nekoliko kategorija, uključujući književnost, glazbu, slikarstvo, povijesne događaje i ličnosti i proizvode masovne uporabe. Izuzetna popularnost Brixyjeva prijevoda kao samostalnoga i punopravnoga teksta objasnit će se ne samo uspješnim iznalaženjem intertekstualnih kulturno-jezičnih ekvivalenata izvornim predlošcima, koji rezoniraju u kulturi i jeziku prijevoda, već i načinima na koje Brixy, kroz nove referencije i duhovitost ostvaruje svoju vlastitu parodičnost i intertekstualnost.
Dob: srednjoškolci i odrasli, 45 min
When Hen Was on Her Way to Market:
A Folktale-Inspired Story of Manners and Nursery Rhyme
Will imperious Hen get the help she demands to clean her muddy foot? Not unless she learns courtesy and respect. This Croatian-based cumulative folktale, in which the local flora, fauna, and villagers respond “No way!” to Hen’s commands, will ring true to young children on their way to understanding cooperation and perhaps a bit of humility.
Age: preschool - 5th grade - 45 min
Visits include:
Interactive puppet show performance
Sing-along
Craft (optional) - add 15 - 30 min depending on age
A Folktale-Inspired Story of Manners and Nursery Rhyme
Will imperious Hen get the help she demands to clean her muddy foot? Not unless she learns courtesy and respect. This Croatian-based cumulative folktale, in which the local flora, fauna, and villagers respond “No way!” to Hen’s commands, will ring true to young children on their way to understanding cooperation and perhaps a bit of humility.
Age: preschool - 5th grade - 45 min
Visits include:
Interactive puppet show performance
Sing-along
Craft (optional) - add 15 - 30 min depending on age
Šaljivo putovanje Hrvatskom
Ova zbirka „otkriva mjesta kroz sjajne poetske dosjetke, male stihovane priče, navodi čitatelja na daljnje istraživanje vješto prevlačeći kroz poetski materijal element poučavanja. Premrežavajući stihovima mala i velika mjesta naše domovine, autoričin ludizam ne prestaje do kraja zbirke kad nam kao dodatak pruža malu enigmatsku slagalicu poigravši se imenima i spojivši ih u novu simpatičnu cjelinu.“
Čitanje poezije uz slike i glazbu hrvatskih gradova i mjesta, 45 min
Dob: djeca od 10 do 110 godina
Ova zbirka „otkriva mjesta kroz sjajne poetske dosjetke, male stihovane priče, navodi čitatelja na daljnje istraživanje vješto prevlačeći kroz poetski materijal element poučavanja. Premrežavajući stihovima mala i velika mjesta naše domovine, autoričin ludizam ne prestaje do kraja zbirke kad nam kao dodatak pruža malu enigmatsku slagalicu poigravši se imenima i spojivši ih u novu simpatičnu cjelinu.“
Čitanje poezije uz slike i glazbu hrvatskih gradova i mjesta, 45 min
Dob: djeca od 10 do 110 godina
Past Courses - Italian
Italian for Travelers
Buon viaggio! Make your trip to Italy so much more pleasant by learning some basic Italian. In this fun course, you will learn language to help you with greetings, sightseeing, ordering food, and shopping –- Italian style!
Italian through Song I
Learn Italian through this imaginative course based upon Italian canzoni, lyrical songs often in praise of love and beauty, and sometimes dealing with moral and sociopolitical topics. This course is for those with little or no prior knowledge of Italian. Each week covers at least one grammatical concept and social-cultural theme and includes listening, comprehension exercises, games, and other activities. Singing along optional, but it sure is fun!
Italian through Opera
What better way to enjoy the language of music than to listen to it sung in some of the greatest operas of all time? In this advanced beginner class, we will explore some of the most beloved arias by great Italian composers or composed in Italian (Verdi, Rossini, Puccini, Donizetti, Bellini, Mozart), we will touch upon the language, culture, and art of the Italian peninsula. Gain an understanding of present, past, and future tenses, and imperative mood. Use colors and adjectives to describe people and objects, and learn time, weather, geography, and kinship terminology.
Italian in the Kitchen
Can you imagine life without pizza margherita or pasta al dente? Whether you enjoy un bicchiere di vino al fresco on your own, or a house full of people for a Sunday pranzo in famiglia, you will improve your Italian in this combined cooking and language class. A very basic knowledge of Italian is recommended. We will learn a variety of culinary terms and expressions as we prepare and taste recipes from various regions of Italy. Buon appetito!
Italian I
Buongiorno! Are you ready to learn Italian in a fun and interesting way? This course is for those who have little or no prior knowledge of Italian. Through games, music, and conversation about everyday life, we will learn basic vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar as we explore Italian culture and la dolce vita. This and related courses will give you a solid knowledge of the language of music and love.
Italian for Advanced Beginners
For those who have taken Italian for Beginners or a similar course and who have some knowledge of Italian presente indicativo. Through games and conversation about everyday life situations, we will continue our grammar studies and expand our vocabulary, gaining more knowledge about Italian culture and life. Expect to master reflexive verbs, past tense of regular and irregular verbs, and possessive adjectives. You will also improve your spoken Italian through a variety of topics including daily activities, physical description, and kinship terminology.
Intermediate Italian
For students who have taken Italian for Beginners and Italian for Advanced Beginners or similar courses and who have some knowledge of presente indicativo and passato prossimo. Through games, music and conversation about everyday life, we will continue our grammar studies and expand our vocabulary, gaining more knowledge about Italian culture and life. Expect to master imperfetto, futuro, and condizionale, as well as direct and indirect pronouns. Improve your spoken Italian through a variety of topics including vacationing, climate and geographical features, and art.New Paragraph
Italian Cafe: Conversation and Culture
Warm evenings of conversation and culture for those who want to take their Italian to the next level. We will discuss Italy and its culture, including food, travel, art, and music. This course is for those with a solid understanding of Italian (present, past, and future tenses.) We will move beyond basic grammar and vocabulary and weave our conversations around situational dialogues, games, songs, recipes, as well as literary texts and excerpts from the opera.
Literature Courses
A Decent Into Dante’s Inferno: An Allegorical Journey Then and Now
Photo: Dante shown holding a copy of the Divine Comedy, next to the entrance to Hell, the seven terraces of Mount Purgatory and the city of Florence, with the spheres of Heaven above, in Domenico di Michelino’s 1465 fresco. Source: Wikipedia
It’s the year of Dante! 2021 marks the 700th anniversary of the death of the father of the Italian language and author of The Divine Comedy, a magnificent poem consisting of 14,233 hendecasyllabic verses written in terza rima, which was invented by Dante (aba, bcb, cdc…). La Divina commedia profoundly influenced the entire Western culture, from Botticelli, Blake, and Dalí, to Milton, T. S. Eliot, and Joyce, among others. The last grand work of the Middle Ages, it is also a harbinger of the Renaissance and Humanism. We will examine Dante’s Inferno, the first canticle of The Divine Comedy, through the historical and literary point of view as we read some of its most poignant verses in Italian and English. Recommended for purchase and used in class is Robert M. Torrance’s Dante’s Inferno, A New Translation in Terza Rima, Xlibris, 2011.
The Good, the Wise, and the Lusty: Women in Boccaccio's Decameron
Praised for feminism and condemned for misogyny, Giovanni Boccaccio’s view of women has been interpreted in various shades of gray. Shape your own opinion based on several emblematic novelle from his capital work Decameron (c.1353). The book contains 100 tales told by a group of young women and men sheltering in a secluded villa just outside Florence to escape the plague. Written in the vernacular of the Florentine language, it is considered a masterpiece of classical early Italian prose. After exploring its historical perspective we will discuss plot and characters, focusing on the ambiguity of the adjectives good, wise, and lusty.
Photo Camption: A Tale from the Decameron, John William Waterhouse, 1916
