Konotop Witch

The very "Konotop Witch" from Hryhorii Kvitka-Osnovianenko's novella that tickets sell out so quickly for!

The first, and so far the only, touring performance of the play in Kraków!

"The Konotop Witch," the same theatrical production that created a sensation in Ukraine and the global community. The play, staged in Kyiv in 2023 during wartime at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater, directed by Ivan Uryvskyi, is based on a classic of Ukrainian literature.

"The Konotop Witch" combines elements of Ukrainian folklore and mysticism with contemporary social and political issues. The play challenges traditional stereotypes about witches, highlighting themes of female strength and independence. It also addresses fears and superstitions, historical persecution, and the oppression of women, particularly in the context of social and societal norms.

The director of the play chose an innovative approach, blending authentic Ukrainian traditions with modern theatrical methods and styles. The production uses minimalist scenography, where every element of the set has a special symbolic meaning, and the stage space is entirely filled with the actors' performances, lighting, and sound effects, fully captivating the audience.

"For me, the central theme was the choice between two forces—Light and Darkness. This is in a global sense, but this choice can be much broader and more varied. The story includes a love story and the feeling of an inevitable war. There are also many different subthemes that resonate with our problems. The work contains many political, life, and spiritual meanings... A person without Faith ceases to be a Human, becoming a pawn, unable to change their own life or resist what is happening around them. Another very interesting and profound theme, revealed by H. Kvitka-Osnovianenko, is the cataclysms occurring in nature—the drought caused by 'witches stealing the rain and dew.' This is also a metaphor that, in my opinion, is associated with today's global supernatural phenomena, such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, happening in different parts of the world. Perhaps this is also the influence of the loss of Faith and the beginning of the planet's demise, and humanity should think about what is happening to all of us?" (Ivan Uryvskyi)

An important aspect of the play is its visual and auditory components: music and sounds create a mystical effect, while light projections and shadows enhance the atmosphere of mystery.

The play has received mixed reviews and reactions from both critics and audiences. Some believe that it boldly addresses important themes, while others criticize it for being overly experimental. However, everyone agrees that "The Konotop Witch" is an important and invaluable contribution to the development and understanding of contemporary Ukrainian theater, which seeks to rethink traditional cultural narratives and uncover new social meanings.

"The Konotop Witch" in this production is a format of cultural revival and renewal in Ukraine. It reflects the profound changes taking place in Ukrainian society, where art becomes an important means of understanding the past and seeking new identities under the influence of contemporary social events and challenges. The play also demonstrates the growing confidence of Ukrainian artists in their ability to influence cultural discussions at both the national and international levels.

This is more than just a play—it is a cultural phenomenon that reflects the complex and multi-layered processes happening in modern Ukraine. It combines elements of the past and present, folklore and contemporary drama, creating a new, unique voice in Ukrainian theater.