The ASU professor has traveled to Russia many times since the political and social upheaval of 1992. She spent portions of each trip interviewing artists about their lives before and after communism's fall. She videotaped scenes of daily activities, from street sweeping to political demonstrations. And she recorded sacred music from Russian Orthodox church services. Kaida describes Russian life today as a multi-generational layering of culture, politics, and religion, much like the matroshka, the traditional Russian nesting doll.
Many churches are under restoration.
At Christmas time, St. Basil's on Red Square is lit up like a candy cane folk art piece. Kaida speaks effortless Russian. I talked to people with Ph.D.s who spoke three languages. Children beg for food in the streets. The people are in shock.