"There is such a job – to bring joy to people"

Who are these people and why is their work so important? A story about how an ordinary rural House of Culture became a common hearth that saves from loneliness and skepticism in our difficult times.

The Polsvizh rural House of Culture is not just an institution on the map of the agro-town, but its living, beating heart. For some, its walls are a refuge from the hustle and bustle, where one can recharge and touch creativity. For others, it is a cause for skepticism, they say, an atavism, a relic of a bygone era. But the villagers themselves know: in our digital age, the need for genuine, human warmth has only intensified. It is here, at the common hearth, that songs are born, talents are revealed, and even the most weary hearts thaw. And life proves: they are right.

The small but very friendly team of the House of Culture includes 4 specialists and two technical workers: branch manager Irina Skibskaya, director of the miniature theatre "Kaktus-kartuz" Lidiya Gonchar, cultural organizer Nadezhda Sharlaeva, and accompanist Alexander Mikhno; and two technical workers – Alena Glinskaya and Yury Golubev. For them, their workplace has become a second home. Each of these people has their own professional and life experience, but they are all united by a love for their native culture and for their common cause. After all, people come to the cultural institution to rest from the grey weekdays, to distract themselves from problems, to spend time interestingly, and simply to communicate. Important meetings, festive events, and, of course, youth discos and shows take place here. The staff of the rural House of Culture try to make each event bright and memorable. How much time is spent searching for material, rehearsing, how many sleepless nights in search of ideas – it is impossible to count! And when everything goes interestingly and engagingly, one is amazed by the inexhaustible energy of these people, their dedication to their profession, their ability to get along with fellow villagers, and to involve them in a creative atmosphere.

– We serve 13 villages. We try to visit each one so that people do not feel neglected, – says Irina Skibskaya.

Rural artists are welcomed everywhere, treated like real stars. The most famous ensemble is the vocal group “Viasielica”, established in the last century – in 1998, and still retaining its "golden" core. The club carefully preserves old notebooks, signed with the participants' names, containing the ensemble's repertoire over many years – they can be used to study the country's history: the first songs were handwritten, followed by pasted-in – carbon copies, typed on a typewriter, and the latest – printed. The repertoire is diverse: from folk songs to hits, from patriotic ballads to spirited chastushkas.

A conversation with the ensemble resembles a cheerful improvisation, where everyone picks up on another's story, and there are not tens, but perhaps hundreds of such stories: funny and curious, absurd and lively. But in each of them – warmth, love, genuine admiration for colleagues, and spiritual kinship.

— If they haven't met for a while, they can't stop talking, – says Alexander Mikhno about his colleagues with laughter and warmth in his voice. – About dumplings, preserves, Colorado beetles, children, weather, nature – they manage to talk even about losing a song during a rehearsal. They connect to each other like a power outlet and start working like a perpetual motion machine!

Despite the serious age of the ensemble members (the most experienced are over 70 years old), they maintain a light-heartedness: they perform at all events, gladly go to competitions, and readily rush to rehearsals. Everyone remembers the trip to Ulyanovsk, where in 2013 "Viasielica" went on tour.

— For the ensemble, it was, of course, a great sensation. I was afraid that the artists would be scared to endure such a long journey, would refuse, as for some, even reaching the city raises their blood pressure. And here it was almost 1500 kilometers – and nothing, as if they had eaten youth-giving apples! – recalls Alexander Mikhno with humour.

The path of "Viasielica" is a story not only of creative growth but also of real practical ingenuity. The first costumes were sewn from whatever was available: they went around to elderly women, looking for old homespun items. These authentic costumes, sewn from "burlap", are still in use and look surprisingly organic on stage. Although new, standard sets have now appeared, which come with their own challenges.

— We were given sizes 42, 46, and 48. But our ensemble has gained "weight" over the years! We need 50+! – laughs one of the participants.

What is the secret to the ensemble's longevity?

— Firstly, we sincerely love what we do: the songs, the music, the people we sing for, the village we live in. We are proud of our Belarus, of its unique culture, — says Nadezhda Sharlayeva. — And secondly, probably, Lidiya Ivanovna (Gonchar – editorial note) she was always passionate about this work. And one who is passionate ignites those around them. So, we are all genuinely passionate.

This is not a metaphor. It's a diagnosis. Creative passion here is the only possible way of existence. Irina Skipskaya came here with an accounting education, but dreamed of the stage since childhood. Lidiya Gonchar, "creator and costume designer," who was lured into culture from the education sector, and she can no longer imagine herself anywhere else. Nadezhda Sharlayeva, who for as long as she can remember, always ran to the club after lessons (first as a schoolgirl, then as a teacher). Alexander Mikhno, no matter what doors and opportunities opened for him, always returned to his native club, where he first performed on stage as a boy, and then, as a young specialist, learned the secrets of the musician's profession. And there are also Nadezhda Matskevich, Lyudmila Silvanovich, Natalya Tukhto, Lyudmila Puzanova, Tatyana Kazhan… This is the "gold" of the ensemble — women who, after work and household chores, are always ready to sing and bring joy to people. They are the very "harmonised" ensemble, a single organism. "And if you remove someone, some part will be missing: an arm, a leg, a heart…," — Lidiya Ivanovna says sincerely.

Despite its respectable age, "Vyaselitsa" has no intention of resting on its laurels. The ensemble constantly seeks new songs and prepares creative performances with creative introductions. The main hope is, of course, new people. "I've already spotted one lady," Nadezhda Sharlayeva shares her plans. "We need to gradually draw her in."

Another public favourite – the amateur folk miniature theatre "Cactus-Kartuz" – has gained recognition far beyond the district, winning prizes at the republican festival of folk humour "Avtyuki-2025". And this is another exciting story!

Although "Vyaselitsa" and "Cactus-Kartuz" are the pride of the SDC, life here is also vibrant around other groups. Here, they compete for children's attention with TikTok and win. This happens in the children's miniature theatre "Guziki", children's amateur associations "Yegoza" and "Creative Workshops", the pop singing club "Diskant" and the "Compere School".
— Children come to us after school, and we redirect their attention. Phones are put away, they don't even remember them, — Irina Grigoryevna notes with pride.

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Undoubtedly, cultural institution workers are the pillar on which national identity rests. Their work is not easy, their mission is invaluable. They tenderly preserve the memory of their ancestors, the origins of age-old traditions, and the values of folk art. By instilling in young Belarusians a love for folk songs, dances, and crafts that have survived to this day, they contribute to their upbringing and development, ensuring the continuity of generations.

Their strength lies in this simple, almost familial chemistry of human relationships. They preserve and transmit the cultural code not because they have to, but because they cannot do otherwise. For them, Belarusian culture and song are a part of themselves. They are proof that culture does not die when clubs close, but when the fire within them goes out. In Bolshoe Polsvizh, it burns. Brightly, sparklingly, and, one wants to believe, it will burn for a very long time to come.