Museum of Russian Icons Winter Newsletter 2019 MoRI_WINTER_2019_newsletter web | Page 4

Film and Discussion:
Ninotchka
with commentary by JoAnn DiVerdi
Complimentary tea and Russian treats
Sunday, February 10, 1:30pm, Members $8, Nonmembers $12 (Pay at the door)
In this romantic-comedy of oppo-
sites, Ninotchka (Greta Garbo),
a cold, pragmatic comrade from
the Soviet Union, arrives in Paris
to ensure the sale of jewels seized
during the Russian Revolution.
There, she encounters a member of
the decadent bourgeois, Count Leon
d’Algout (Melvyn Douglas). Leon eventually leaves his par-
amour, the Grand Duchess Swana, the original owner of said
jewels, for the icy Ninotchka–who seems to be melting under
his joie de vivre. Politically, it’s a unique moment in time for
the United States. She’s wary but not yet fearful of the Soviet
Union, not yet an ally, not yet a Cold War enemy. Free of all
such pressures, and with the enormous talent that came to bear
upon its creation, Ninotchka continues to delight.
Ringing in Russia’s Old New Year:
A discussion of holiday traditions with
writer and historian Jennifer Eremeeva
Saturday, January 12, 1:00-4:00pm
Members $12, Nonmembers $18
Register by Tuesday, January 8th. Call
978.598.5000 x121
Throughout Russia’s turbulent history, abrupt social
change, and mass immigration, holiday traditions have
managed to survive and even thrive often despite active
government repression.  Join writer and historian Jennifer
Eremeeva for a celebration of Russia’s “Old New Year”
with tea, gingerbread, and a discussion of the unique fusion
of pagan folklore, agrarian influences, Christian tradi-
tions, and Soviet modifications that have molded modern
Russia’s numerous public and professional holidays.
Menu:
Russian Caravan Tea with lemons and homemade
strawberry jam, Russian gingerbread, tangerine Aperol
Champagne Punch (Jennifer’s signature holiday cocktail).
6 | WINTER 2019
But at the time of this film’s release, the big news was sim-
ply:  “Garbo Laughs!”  It’s impossible for anyone to watch
Ninotchka and NOT laugh! It skewers both Parisian and Soviet
mores. And, ultimately, thanks to copious amounts of cham-
pagne, unabashedly proclaims: “Lovers of the world, unite!” 
School Vacation Week
Pop-up Makerspace:
PLASTICS!
Tuesday, February 19 – Sunday, February
24 11:00am-5:00pm, Free with
Admission
Recycle your used plastic (milk jugs,
yogurt containers, plastic bags, any-
thing that can be repurposed) and
create a work of art at the same time.
This edition of the Museum’s Pop-up
Makerspace encourages children
and families to find a second pur-
pose for their single-use plastics that
would otherwise end up in a landfill.