Trafika Europe 7 - Ukrainian Prayer

Sofia Andrukhovych

tulle clasp. Let us not forget the hats—their impressive dimensions blown up further by generously-sized hairdos held together by eccentric combs andpins. On their swan necks (although sometimes, also chicken and turkey necks), delicate golden chains with medallions, hearts, and crosses, retrieved from jewelry chests. Their fans rock back and forth on similar chains; but see how one lady hang hers over her shoulder, and another attaches hers to her belt. Everyone’s shoes and stockings match the color of their dresses. Something else has changed in the silhouettes of Stanislav ladies. Yes, of course—it looks like they have grown new bosoms: now their busts are lower and less full, which actually fits the latest fashions for the skirts better. The sleeves are becoming

narrower and longer—why, we may even give up gloves completely some time soon. These bosoms are followed with great attention by our local dandies—polished, fragrant young men with thin mustaches and hair neatly parted in the center. Everything about them is exaggerated—the enormous collars, the fantastic neckties with grotesque ornaments, unbelievably high top hats (it seems they wouldn’t be able to fit through the doors). Both outside and inside the lobby all one hears is fantastic stories about Chevalier Thorn’s magic: how he makes things dissolve into air, how he makes people and objects fly, how he cuts them into pieces and then puts them together, how in a few minutes from a tiny seed a full-size tree grows on stage

56