COMMUNITY CHRONICLE: UNWLA Branch 75 set to present 10th annual "zabava"/performance (11/12/00)

COMMUNITY CHRONICLE: UNWLA Branch 75 set to present 10th annual "zabava"/performance

by Oleh Chmyr

MAPLEWOOD, N.J. - Branch 75 of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America (UNWLA) was founded 28 years ago. This group of dedicated ladies has been actively involved in various aspects of Ukrainian community life, supporting myriad worthwhile projects.

The annual dance and performance presented by UNWLA Branch 75 of Maplewood, N.J., is this group's major fund-raiser. The event will take place on Saturday, November 18, at 9 p.m. at the Ramada Inn on Route 10 in East Hanover, N.J. This year's "zabava" is special because it marks the 10th anniversary of this dance cum performance.

A behind-the-scenes look at the work on this annual project reveals a group of dedicated, interesting women who work and relax together.

The program revolves around a musical-theatrical component, consisting of song, dance and humor. Myriad ideas are entertained, and a program is put together. The program is then further refined over the course of many nights of meetings. Everyone takes their commitment seriously.

Once the program is set, the ladies turn to their most enthusiastic supporters, their men, to join in and take part in the performance. It should be noted that the performers - most of them amateurs - are people with talent, enthusiasm and an ample sense of humor. Many nights are spent in rehearsals.

Then, on the night of the performance, one feels the magical spirit of the performers' improvisation, which always elicits a warm enthusiastic response from the audience.

With this year's theme - "Club Tropicana" - the audience can again look forward to something original and entertaining, while supporting the charitable work of the UNWLA.

The "Soyuzianky" and all those who support them deserve praise for their hard work, wonderful imaginations and talents. They are not only a women's organization, but a marvelous gathering of families who work together in harmony and friendship, pursuing similar ideas and goals for the betterment of their families and the Ukrainian community.

For further information about the November 18 zabava/performance call (973) 376-7956.

Oleh Chmyr, baritone, teaches voice at the County College of Morris in Randolph, N.J. He formerly was a principal artist with the Ekaterinburg (Russia), Lviv and Wroclaw (Poland) operas. He has participated and performed at the Branch 75 "zabava" for several years now.

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