Brilliant idea

Andriy Ponomarenko

Andriy Ivanovich Ponomarenko

Date of birth – June 8, 1982

Location – village of Zdorivka (Ukraine)

Activity – theater and film actor

Becoming an artist

Andriy Ponomarenko comes from a simple Ukrainian family. The acting talent of the future star of theater and cinema manifested itself in his school years. The turning point that influenced the choice of the artist's career came when the boy was in a summer pioneer camp. There, playing in a theater group, the young man first realized that creativity could become his profession. This was a real discovery for young Andriy, because in his native village of Zdorivka there was not a single representative of the sphere of culture or the creative industry, and the locals even laughed at the boy's ambitions. However, despite the lack of support, he persistently followed his dream. He entered the Kyiv National University of Theater, Cinema and Television named after Karpenko-Kary. This was the first step on the way to the big stage, where the actor's talent blossomed and led to recognition and popularity in the art world.

The university teachers noted the great potential of Andriy Ponomarenko. However, the future artist had to make significant efforts on the way to success. He worked especially hard to improve his speech. Hard work and dedication to his work were not in vain: already in his fourth year, in 2004, Andriy was invited to the Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Drama Theater, where he made his debut and began his theatrical career as an actor. This became an important milestone on the way to recognition and popularity. The theater stage opened up new horizons in creativity and opportunities for Andriy Ponomarenko to collaborate with famous directors, producers and colleagues.

Creative path

In 2005, Andriy Ponomarenko graduated from university and continued his work at the capital's Lesya Ukrainka Theater. The actor received roles in the performances "All Shakespeare in One Evening", "SoldAtiki", "Cynical Comedy" and others. Ponomarenko simultaneously developed as a film actor, trying to achieve diversity in his roles. After two years of difficult screen tests and unsuccessful castings, the actor got a role in the TV series "When We Are Home". The bright image and charisma of Taras Misyura made him recognizable and brought popularity among a wide audience. The role was truly fateful and turned Ponomarenko into a national favorite. However, there was another side of the coin - there was a risk of becoming an actor of one role and becoming established exclusively in the comedy genre. However, over time, Andriy's participation in various projects proved his professionalism.

Andriy Ponomarenko has demonstrated the ability to embody a variety of images - from comedic characters to heroes of historical and military dramas. The actor has established himself in the list of leading artists of domestic cinema, having received leading and supporting roles in films and TV series:

• "When We're Home" (TV series);
• "The First Young Man in the Village" (TV series);
• "Beyond the Border" (film);
• "Mother's Daughters" (TV series);
• "Romeo and Juliet from Cherkasy" (TV series);
• "The Way Home" (TV series);
• "Death to Spies. Hidden Enemy" (TV series);
• "The autopsy will show" (TV series);
• "House of Happiness" (TV series);
• "Game of Fate" and others.

In 2016, Andriy Ivanovich received the honorary title of Honored Artist of Ukraine. Since 2021, the people's favorite Andriy Ponomarenko has not been active on social networks and does not give major interviews. However, he has not disappeared from the screens and stage. The actor continues to shoot in Ukrainian films and TV series, works in the theater. In October 2022, the premiere of the new season of the sketch comedy "When We Are Home. Together to Victory" took place. The actor continues to play Taras Misyura there, who, according to the plot, became a serviceman in the Mykolaiv Military District. The new series tells about the life of favorite characters in new difficult realities.

Modern performances and roles of Andriy Ponomarenko:

• "Treasure Island" (Blind Pugh);
• "Brilliant idea" (Thomas);
• "The wind is rustling in the poplars" (Fernand);
• "View from the Bridge" (Louis);
• "The Cripple from Inishmaan" (Billy Craven);
• "Juliet and Romeo" (Pietro, servant of Juliet's nurse);
• "The Too-Married Taxi Driver" (Inspector Porterhouse).

People's Artist of Ukraine. In the theater of Lesia Ukrainka since 1994.

Nadiya Kondratovskaya

Nadiya Dmitrievna Kondratovskaya

Date of birth – July 16, 1951

City – Lviv (Ukraine)

Language – Ukrainian

Activity – theater and film actress, dubbing and voiceover actress

Becoming an artist

Nadiya Kondratovskaya is a Ukrainian theater, film, voice-over and dubbing actress, People's Artist of Ukraine. Talking about her path to the stage, the actress admits that she was always a very active child. And her mother saw this and tried to pick up and support all the talents that she felt in her daughter. So, at the age of 5, the girl began to attend the ballet studio at the Lviv Opera Theater. Nadiya really liked the classes. The girl, who was distinguished by exceptional independence since childhood, chose a further direction - circus acrobatics. And even received the title of candidate for master of sports.

Feeling her destiny, Nadiya Kondratovskaya decided to devote herself to culture and creativity and entered a theater school. One of Kondratovskaya's teachers was actor and director Oleksandr Solomarsky. In 1974, Nadiya graduated from the Kiev Institute of Theater Arts named after Karpenko-Kary. At that time, the young actress had already been collaborating with the team of the Maria Zankovetska National Drama Theater in Lviv. And in 1978, the future star of the stage joined the team of actors, directors, and producers of the Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Drama Theater.

Creative path

Despite the fact that the star was born in Lviv, the Lesya Ukrainka Theater became the native home for Nadiya Kondratovskaya. Although the actress played one of her roles in the play of the Kyiv Theater "Suzir'ya". It was the production of "Lettis and Lavage", which brought Kondratovskaya one of the awards of the prestigious in the art industry award "Golden Pectoral". The audience and colleagues of the actress note that Nadiya Dmitrievna manages to amazingly combine organicity and circus grotesque on stage. And also - work in theater and cinema. The actress herself calls tragedy and comedy her favorite genres. Although she notes that comedy requires a little more effort from the performer. The reason for this is the need to have a good mood, which must be carried to the audience.

Nadiya Kondratovskaya's partners not only on stage, but also in life were such legendary artists as Anatoly Hostikoev and Oleksandr Bondarenko. In addition, the artist was a mentor for one of the popular TV presenters for a long time: she taught the media person to speak beautifully, correctly and confidently. In her professional work, Kondratovskaya has established herself as a bright creative individual who skillfully combines a spectacular style, lyricism and eccentricity, is distinguished by a strong temperament and exceptional musical abilities.

Among the most famous roles of the actress, worthy of awards from prestigious festivals, are Zhenya ("Rear" by M. Zarudny), Kateryna ("In the Steppes of Ukraine" by O. Korniychuk), Svitlana ("Main Exam" by I. Shamyakin), Mademoiselle Kapyula, Flipot ("Invitation to the Castle", "Generals in Skirts" by J. Anouilh), Saracen ("Revenge Italian Style" by L. Pirandello), Piera ("A Little Tenderness" by A. Nicolai), Pani Pantych ("OBEZH" by B. Nusich), Olympia ("A Flea in the Ear" by J. Feido), Suzetta ("Family Dinner" by M. Camoletti) and others.

Nadiya Kondratovskaya has also participated in the creation of over 50 cinematic and animated works – as an actress and dubbing and voice actress. In particular, the artist's talent was manifested in the following films and projects:

• "The Return of Mukhtar-3";
• "I love you to death";
• "One against all";
• "Thirteen Months";
• "Only love";
• "Mom for rent";
• "Swallow's Nest";
• "Land of Oblivion";
• "Daddy 2";
• "The Price of Grandma's Inheritance";
• "Encanto: World of Magic";
• "The Bridgertons";
• "Downton Abbey";
• "Toy Story 4" and many others.

Awards and honors

Nadiya Kondratovskaya is the winner of three awards of the prestigious Kyiv Pectoral Award:

• Best Supporting Actress ("Invitation to the Castle", 1993);
• Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading/Supporting Role ("Lettis and Lavage", 2009);
• Best Actress (The Promise at Dawn, 2014).

Nadiya Kondratovskaya's significant contribution to the development of Ukrainian culture is evidenced by her high titles: Honored Artist of Ukraine (2009) and People's Artist of Ukraine (2018). Modern performances and roles of the actress at the Lesya Ukrainka Theater:

• "Brilliant idea" (Katrin);
• "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" (Mrs. Alexander);
• "Indian Summer" (Doris);
• "Juliet and Romeo" (Juliet's Mother);
• "Family Dinner" (Suzette, the cook).