Weekly discussions commemorate the Velvet Revolution's 10th anniversary
One decade after the Velvet Revolution on November 17, 1989, some in Slovak society are taking a moment to look back and reflect on what the past ten years have brought. What, for example, has been a source of disappointment; what, if anything, a pleasant surprise? On October 5, and every Tuesday before the anniversary, an informal discussion will be held on the matter at the Zichy Palace in the Bratislava Old Town starting at 18:00.
Slovak and Czech state officials, former dissidents and organisers of the revolution in Slovakia will be featured in the discussions along with artists and journalists. On September 21, Ján Čarnogurský, František Mikloško, and Ján Langoš all participated in the round table on the topic "confrontations and memories." On October 5, artists including painter Rudolf Sýkora, theatre director Martin Porubjak, and writer Ľubo Feldek, will debate how far has the country advanced beyond its communist past. The series is supported by the Foundation of M. Šimečka.
America marks the Velvet Revolution with exhibitions and speeches
A star-studded committee of Czech and Slovak notables is presiding over a three-month long celebration of the Velvet Revolution in the United States. The event, which includes art exhibitions, environmental discussions and film presentations, is being organised by the Slovak and Czech Embassies.
In the second week of October, 12-year-old Czech piano prodigy Lukáš Vondráček, who began playing piano at age two, will perform works by Czech composers Novak and Martinu, a well as favourites by Bach, Beethoven and Chopin. The concert will take place on October 12 at 7:30 p.m. at the Czech embassy. On October 14, Slovakia's respected grass roots environmentalist, Michal Kravčik, will give a lecture and photo exhibition at the Slovak embassy to explain his "Blue Alternative" environmental vision for Slovakia's future.
On-going events include an art exhibition at the Czech embassy featuring the graphic design of the art magazine Raut and recent works by Aleš Najbrt, one of the foremost contemporary Czech graphic designers. There will also be a photo exhibition at the Slovak Embassy.
The celebration is presided over by such luminaries as Elie Wiesel, Nobel Prize Laureate, Zbigniew Brzezinski, counsellor of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Miloš Forman, Czech film director, and Jaroslav Pelikán, History Professor at Yale University. The schedule of 40 events will run until December 9.
