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Adult Education course "Classic Russian Comedy"

From March 31st until May 12th, 2015, the Sister City Connection sponsored its fourth series of Russian films, under the auspices of the Mid-Maine Regional Adult Education program at Waterville High School. Former series featured topics of current interest in Russian films (social problems, religion, crime) or important moments in Russian history, as film directors interpreted them. This year’s series featured Russian comedy classics, in some cases films, which elicit "laughter through tears," the work of the most famous film writers, actors, and directors. The social commentary in these films is muted and presented in a humorous way, as the films depict real-life dilemmas for Russian citizens, such as endless bureaucracy, alcoholism, marriage and divorce, and the underground illegal economy.

The films included two romantic comedies - Office Romance (1977) and The Irony of Fate (1976). For lovers of farce, there were two slapstick comedies - Peculiarities of National Fishing (1998) and Operation Y and Shurik's Other Adventures (1965). And we took a cinematic time travel adventure with Ivan Vasilievich: Back to the Future (1973).

  

The Connection was very pleased to have 31 lively participants in this year’s film series, and all the participant-chefs shared in preparing a festive and delicious Russian dinner at the conclusion of the film series.

If you would like to try an easy and refreshing traditional Russian cabbage salad recipe (it’s great with hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill), here’s the quick recipe.