The real Taras Bulba

Taras Bulba has finally come out in the same version as the one in Gogol’s collection Myrhorod (1838). Kalvariya Publishers offer readers the original text of this famous novella in its “Individual” series. Gogol rewrote this work because the Russian government considered it too Ukrainian. Therefore, since 1842 we have been reading a novel that featured three new chapters and a revised ending (in the first version, Taras is not burned at the stake by the Poles). The famous writer, Vasyl Shkliar, translated the little-known original into Ukrainian. Incidentally, Shkliar presented this publication together with his novel Elemental at the publishers’ forum in Lviv. Both books came out in a twinned pocketbook format. “I am offering you the true Taras Bulba that neither Ukrainians nor Europeans know,” Shkliar said.

Kalvariya conceived the “Individual” series of twinned pocketbooks in order to combine things that cannot be united, to spotlight unexpected viewpoints, and even present diametrically opposing texts. The creators of this project say that nobody can guess what the next pair will be.

In other news, discussions about bringing Taras Bulba to the screen are crystallizing. A few months ago the Ministry of Culture and Tourism announced a competition for best screenplay, but even earlier it was clear that Viktor Hres’s script was a sure winner. It looks like his dream may come true. Hres hit upon the idea of making Taras Bulba 14 years ago, but at the time it was impossible to implement such a high-profile project. Gerard Depardieu is now reading the script. The French actor has said he would like not only to produce the film but also star in it. President Yushchenko has also promised to support the filming, and Russian movie-makers are also showing an interest in Taras Bulba. There is still no word on who will direct the film.