Ivan Franko Theater in Kyiv: History of the Institution

The Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater is the true heart of the cultural life of the modern capital. The institution has a rich history. The theater building appeared at the end of the 19th century on the territory of the Mering estate. The theater itself as a creative center was founded in 1920 in Vinnytsia. It was created by the actors of the "Young Theater" led by Hnat Yura together with the artists of the New Lviv Theater. Having united, they formed a collective called the "New Ivan Franko Drama Theater", whose artistic director was Hnat Yura. The basis of the first seasons was the productions from the repertoire of the Young Theater - "The Flooded Bell" by G. Hauptmann, "Youth" by M. Galbe, "Oedipus Rex" by Sophocles.

The initial period of the theater's existence was itinerant - the troupe actively toured the cities and villages of central Ukraine. In the summer of 1926, by decision of the government, the Ivan Franko Theater was transferred to Kyiv. A symbolic "city exchange" took place - Les Kurbas' Berezil Theater moved to Kharkiv, and the Frankivtsi received a Kyiv stage. Since then, the team has been working in the premises of the former Solovtsov Theater.

In 1940, the institution received the title of academic. During 1978–2001, the theater was headed by Serhiy Danchenko. Since the early 1990s, the Frankivtsi have been actively integrating into the European cultural space, touring Germany, Austria, Greece, Italy, Poland, and the USA, where their productions were highly appreciated.

In 1994, the theater was granted the status of National. From the end of 2001 to 2012, the artistic director and director of the institution was Hero of Ukraine, People's Artist of Ukraine Bohdan Stupka. In an effort to expand the artistic boundaries of the theater, he invited directors with different, sometimes opposing creative approaches to cooperation. During this period, the theater actively collaborated with directors from Poland, Georgia, and Canada. Later, the institution became a full member of the International Theater Institute, which strengthened the presence of Ukrainian stage art on the world map. Since April 3, 2024, the director of the theater has been People's Artist of Ukraine Yevhen Nyshchuk.

How to get to the Franko Theater in Kyiv

The theater is located in the very center of the capital at Ivan Franko Square, 3. The main stage is located here. The chamber stage is located in a building next door on the street. Olginska, 2.

The most convenient way to get to the Franko Theater by metro is the Khreschatyk station with an exit to Gorodetskogo Street. For those planning to arrive by car, it is worth taking care of parking in advance, as there are not many places near the theater.

Architectural features and capacity of the Franko Theater in Kyiv

During World War II, the drama theater building was almost completely destroyed. Restoration work was completed in 1946, after the liberation of Kyiv. After the reconstruction, the interior layout and artistic design changed. The main entrance is decorated with a classic portico with four columns supporting a balcony. The white-gold warm color scheme and soft lighting in the hall create an atmosphere of calm and immersion in the stage action.

The latest renovations to the facade have added a deep, rich color to the building, making the theater's image more modern and elegant. Due to numerous reconstructions, the building has a certain asymmetry, but it retains its grandeur thanks to massive columns and high windows. The main stage is designed for approximately 800 spectators. The Serhiy Danchenko Chamber Stage accommodates about 160 seats.

Theatre's staff and repertoire

Today, the Franko Theater stage is staffed by famous actors and directors who embody both the classics of Ukrainian and world drama and bold modern productions. Real stars take to the stage: Bohdan Beniuk, Oleksandr Zadniprovsky, Serhiy Kalantay, Anatoliy Hnatyuk, Valentyna Ilyashenko, Nazar Zadniprovsky, Vira Zinevich and many others. Experienced masters pass on the traditions of the professional stage to new generations of actors, and the troupe regularly participates in festivals of national and international levels.

The theater's poster combines time-tested performances and experimental projects, preserving the main principle of the Frankivtsi, formulated by Bohdan Stupka: if after the performance at least one person comes out a little better and thinks about their own lives, the theater has the right to exist.

Among the audience's favorite performances:

• "The Kaidash Family";
• "The Konotop Witch";
• "Talentless";
• "The Marriage of Figaro";
• "Earth";
• "Pier Gynt" and others.

Events taking place at the Franko Theater

In addition to performances, the theater hosts:

• musical concerts;
• creative evenings;
• charity events and auctions;
• art competitions and festivals;
• thematic meetings, master classes, and more.

Where to order tickets for performances Franko Drama Theater in Kyiv

The current schedule of events is always available on the Concert.ua website. It is also very convenient to order tickets here - in a few minutes, online.