Konotop Witch

The same "Konotop Witch" based on the story by Grigory Kvitka-Osnovyanenko for which it is impossible to buy a ticket in time!

"The Konotop Witch", the same theatrical production that caused a resonance in Ukraine and the world community. The play, staged in Kyiv in 2023, already during the war at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater, directed by Ivan Uryvsky, is based on the classics of Ukrainian literature.

"The Konotop Witch" combines elements of Ukrainian folklore and mysticism with contemporary social and political issues. The play challenges traditional stereotypes about witches, addressing themes of female power and independence. It also addresses fears and prejudices, and the historical persecution and oppression of women, particularly in the context of societal and social norms.

The director of the play has chosen an innovative approach, combining authentic Ukrainian traditions with modern theatrical methods and styles. The production uses minimalist scenography, where each element of the scenery has a special symbolic meaning, and the stage space is completely filled with acting, lighting and sound effects - which completely captivate the viewer.

" For me, the main theme was the choice between two forces – Light and Darkness.

This is in a global sense, but this choice can be much more voluminous and diverse. The story contains a love story and a feeling of inevitable war. And many other different subthemes that are consonant with our problems. The work contains many meanings - political, vital, spiritual...

A person without Faith ceases to be a person, turning into a pawn who is unable to change his own life or counteract what is happening around him. And G. Kvitka-Osnovyanenko also very interestingly and deeply reveals the theme of cataclysms occurring in nature - drought "witches stole rains and dews". This is also a certain metaphor, which, in my opinion, is associated with today's world supernatural phenomena: such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis occurring in different parts of the globe. Perhaps this is also the impact of the loss of Faith and the beginning of the death of the planet, and humanity should think about what is happening to all of us? " ( Ivan Uryvsky )

An important aspect of the performance is its visual and audio components: music and sounds create an effect of mysticism, and light projections and shadows enhance the atmosphere of mystery.

The play has received mixed reviews and reactions from both critics and audiences. Some believe that it boldly raises important topics, while others criticize it for being too experimental. However, everyone agrees that The Konotop Witch is an important and invaluable contribution to the development and understanding of contemporary Ukrainian theater, which attempts to rethink traditional cultural narratives and uncover new social meanings.

"The Konotop Witch" in this production is a certain format of cultural revival and renewal in Ukraine. It reflects the profound changes taking place in Ukrainian society, where art is becoming an important means of understanding the past and searching for new identities under the influence of the events and challenges of modern society. The play also demonstrates the growing confidence of Ukrainian artists in their ability to influence cultural discussions both at the national and international levels.

More than just a performance, it is a cultural phenomenon that reflects the complex and multi-layered processes taking place in modern Ukraine. It combines elements of the past and present, folklore and modern drama, creating a new, unique voice in Ukrainian theater.