The Witch of Konotop is a Ukrainian play based on the novel of the same name.[1] It premiered at the Ivan Franko Theater in Kyiv in early 2023 under the direction of Ivan Uryvskyi.[2][3]
Premise
editIn 17th-century Konotop, Ukraine, Cossack military leader Zabryokha attempts to avoid going to war against the Russian Empire while trying to vanquish the witches which he believes are getting in his way of love. A witch hunt unfolds following a drought in the town.
Cast
edit| Role | 2024 production |
|---|---|
| Zabroykha | Nazar Zadniprovskyi |
| Olena | Mariia Rudynska |
| Pistryak | Mykhailo Kukuyuk |
Reception
editThe play was well received following its premiere in spring 2023, and had become popular by fall 2023.[4] Performances have been consistently sold out up to a year in advance.[2][3] During a charity performance in December 2023, the theater raised UAH 1.7 million for the Ukrainian Armed Forces; during a second charity performance in March 2024, the theater raised UAH ₴2.3 million.[4] In August 2024, part of the play was shown at the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.[3][5]
The production won the Taras Shevchenko National Prize in the category of theatrical art.[3][6] The play also gained exposure on TikTok, with several clips going viral.[5]
References
edit- ^ Varenikova, Maria (2024-05-27). "Onstage, Witches and Cossacks Strike a Chord With Ukrainians". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ a b Westerman, Ashley (2024-08-18). "A dark musical comedy about witches has Ukraine enthralled. Here's why". NPR.
- ^ a b c d "Part of The Witch of Konotop play showcased at Peace Summit". www.ukrinform.net. 2024-06-17. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ a b Telishevska, Sofiia (2024-03-05). "The Franko Theater gathered more than UAH 2.3 million for the Armed Forces during the charity performance "The Witch of Konotop"". babel.ua. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ a b Chaika, Anna (2024-08-02). "Why is Ukraine's theater scene thriving amid war?". DW. Retrieved 2024-08-18.
- ^ Opanasenko, Oleksandra (2024-03-09). "In Ukraine, the laureates of the Shevchenko Prize 2024 were announced. Who received it". babel.ua. Retrieved 2024-08-18.