Koleso Theatre
Afisha
Popular
Kolесo Theatre in Kyiv: A Landmark of Historic Podil and an Important Cultural Hub of the Capital
It is impossible to miss while walking along Andriivskyi Descent: the building, located in the heart of historic Kyiv, immediately catches the eye with its decorative brickwork and relief details. At the beginning of the 20th century, the renowned conductor and ethnographer Oleksandr Koshyts rented an apartment in the building. During the Soviet era, the premises were divided into communal apartments. And even before the building became the property of Kyiv jeweller Vasyl Cherniavskyi, it housed a brothel run by Vira Heniukova. But that is all history now.Theatre History
When the premises were vacated in 1988 and the residents relocated, the building was handed over to the newly established Koleso Theatre. Since then, it has been headed by Iryna Klishchevska, a People's Artist of Ukraine.Having acquired its own premises, the theatre quite literally received a new lease of life. The staff took an active part in renovating the building, which soon became a place where a cosy atmosphere and an intimate setting came together to offer city residents a pleasant way to spend their leisure time.
In September 2008, Koleso Chamber Theatre was granted academic status.
Architectural Features
The building is a two-storey brick structure built in the Neo-Renaissance style. Its interior has been preserved to this day. The building has a rectangular floor plan. The main façade is asymmetrical and features six windows. On the upper floor, the arched windows are decorated with stucco ornaments, while the pediment niches feature stylised coats of arms.Inside, stucco elements and fireplaces have been preserved and are now used as natural stage decorations. An old staircase leads to the upper levels.
Stage Layout and Seating Capacity
Koleso Theatre has three performance spaces:- the main auditorium with 70 seats;
- the Fireplace Hall;
- the Café Stage.
The theatre's costume department is located in the attic.
The Theatre Company
The theatre company consists of around 25 actors. Iryna Klishchevska is the theatre's principal director and driving force. The company is continually replenished with graduates of Kyiv's creative universities.The actors of Koleso Theatre can be described as true multi-talented performers: they are equally skilled at acting in dramatic productions, singing in musical performances, dancing in vaudevilles and creating complex psychological portraits of detective-story characters.
The theatre founded festivals such as «Slavic Encounters», «Echo», «Event», AndriyivskyFest and others. At the same time, the company has repeatedly taken part in festivals abroad, including in England, the USA, France, Romania, Poland, Turkey and Bulgaria.
Repertoire
The theatre's programme features both classical productions and contemporary interpretations of well-known works. Its current repertoire includes around 40 performances across various genres:- dramas and tragedies;
- comedies and vaudevilles;
- farces and one-person shows;
- detective plays and documentary dramas.
Another feature that makes the theatre truly special is its Café Stage, where audience members are served pastries, desserts, drinks and open-faced sandwiches during performances.
