Exploring the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre: A Spotlight on ‘The Witch of Konotop’

25.04.2024, 20:29 grinchenko-inform.kubg.edu.ua

Nestled in the heart of Lviv, Ukraine, the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater stands as a cultural beacon, captivating audiences with its rich history and diverse repertoire. Among its celebrated productions is the timeless classic, ‘The Witch of Konotop,’ based on the gripping tale penned by the renowned Ukrainian writer, Hryhoriy-Kvitka Osnovyanenko.

The Theatre’s Legacy

Established in 1903, the Ivan Franko Theater has been a cornerstone of Ukrainian theatee, showcasing the nation’s literary heritage and artistic prowess. Named after the iconic Ukrainian writer, poet, and playwright Ivan Franko, the theatre embodies his spirit of intellectual and cultural enlightenment.

A Tale of Intrigue and Betrayal

This year, at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater, director Ivan Uryvsky staged ‘The Witch of Konotop,’ based on the novel of the same name by Hryhoriy Kvitka-Osnovyanenko.

The original satirical and realistic story tells about the “sad and cheerless” life of the town of Konotop. Sotnyk Mykyta Zabriokha woos khorunzhivna Olena but gets a pumpkin because the young lady is in love with judge Demian Khalyavsky. Prokip Pistriak, a Konotop clerk, orders Zabriokha to drown the witches because those “wicked women” stole the rain, “closing the barns of heaven”. Witch Yavdokha Zubyha is responsible for the fantasy and mysticism in the story, casting spells on the characters and marrying Olena to Demian, Zabryok to the “viper-like” Solokha, and Pistriak to the hired hand Pazka.

Theatre’s Artistry and Innovation

It is difficult to identify clear criteria for why ‘The Witch of Konotop’ at the Franko Theater has become so popular. Some of the viewers’ videos on TikTok get over 800-900 thousand views. The hashtag #Konotop Witch on the same social network has about 20.4 million views. In the comments, people complain that it is impossible to buy tickets. After all, they are always sold out in the first hour (and even in a few months!). Video excerpts from the performance almost immediately flooded social media, including TikTok. The audience was fascinated by the mystical atmosphere of the black-and-white performance, where the human body in light and shadow is intertwined with sounds.

A Cultural Experience

Attending a performance of ‘The Witch of Konotop’ at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater is more than just a theatrical experience — it’s a journey into the heart and soul of Ukrainian storytelling. As the lights dim and the curtains rise, audiences are transported to a world where the lines between reality and illusion blur, leaving them spellbound until the final curtain call.