The History of Folklore Ensemble Skesujan - Interpretation of its Repertoire

This thesis aims to analyze the motivation to found the Skejusan folklore ensemble, and its history and artistic development, which represents part of Ruthenian culture. This work characterizes the multicultural environment of the Ruthenians living in Bohemia, defines the influence of the environment in which they currently reside, their culture and life, follow the historic route of transmission of traditions and customs during moving forefathers and ancestors of today's Skejusans. Another goal of my work is characteristics of the unique Ruthenian ensamble Skejusan (the only one in the Czech Republic), and the capture and description of its activities, national customs and traditions which the ensamble represents, including the description of Skejus authentic costumes. The thesis also compares different and analogous elements between Skejus folklore and folklore of other nations. One of the important outcomes of my work is the creation of a Ruthenian-Czech dictionary based on the ensamble's repertoir e