English LAnguage Office Highlights
“Hocus Pocus” in Novosibirsk
On Saturday, October 25th, Senior English Language Fellow Todd Vidamour held a Halloween information and film day at the American Corner in Novosibirsk. The afternoon opened with a brief presentation by Mr. Vidamour regarding the history and traditions surrounding Halloween in the United States. This included introducing some English words and phrases used in relation to the holiday. In addition, the historical period of the witch hunts and trials in Salem, Massachusetts was discussed in order to set the context for the subsequent film, “Hocus Pocus,” (1993) starring Bette Midler and Sarah Jessica Parker, among other notable cast members. This Halloween comedy was very well received by the audience of about 20 crowded into the main office of the Corner. They were particularly impressed by the 15-year old special effects of witches flying and black cats talking. This, along with the freshly carved Jack-o-Lantern that Todd Vidamour brought in put everyone in the Halloween spirit.