When a meltdown and explosion took place at the Soviet nuclear plant at Chernobyl in Ukraine on April 26, 1986, it rocked the world–with medical, environmental, political, and cultural aftershocks that continue to reverberate even today. The disaster exposed bureaucratic incompetence and secrecy, technological hubris, and truths about the regime and society. Amid the catastrophe, ordinary people reacted with a mixture of emotions, ranging from panic and despair to self-sacrificing courage. In this talk, we’ll examine all these aspects, the causes and consequences of the accident, and the memories (in the form of rumors, folklore, and bitter jokes) of this epic event. Finally, we’ll revisit Chernobyl today, when this site has again been in the news as the Russian invasion of Ukraine surges around this traumatized location. Presented by Vejas Liulevicius of University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Provided by Curiosity U. Provided by the CAST Senior Center, our Documentary Programs provide an endless variety of interesting subjects in a prerecorded, professional film format. They take us across the country and around the world, experiencing and learning about places and people which we wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to experience. Our documentaries are entertaining, informative, and inspiring. They offer a unique and powerful form of storytelling that captures your attention and provoke thought and discussion. Scheduled every Tuesday afternoon, unless noted, at 1pm at the CAST Senior Center, our Documentary Programs are free and open to the public. There are no membership dues and everyone is welcome to attend. Programming is provided by Curiosity U and other online providers. Check out our documentary program schedule every month and join us. We look forward to seeing you!