The National Academic Drama Theater named after Ivan Franko captivated the international audience with its new rendition of the play «Macbeth», directed by Ivan Uryvskyi. The premiere took place on November 9 at the Shakespeare Theater in Gdansk, followed by a performance on November 11 at the Arnold Shifman Theater in Warsaw, supported by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.
The performance impressed the Polish audience with its depth of acting, visual symbolism, and contemporary directing approach. The director's vision offers a fresh artistic interpretation of the struggle between good and evil, authority and humanity, reflecting current social issues such as the nature of dictatorship and the allure of power.
In this modernized reading of «Macbeth», demonic forces take on new forms — witches become all-seeing digital entities that manipulate and seduce. In a world where truth dissolves in streams of disinformation, the «Macbeth» from the Franko Theater resonates as a powerful warning for contemporary society.
In Warsaw, the premiere was attended by the Ambassador of Ukraine to Poland, Vasyl Bodnar, along with his family and embassy staff. The diplomat emphasized the importance of culture in preserving national identity, even in times of conflict.
After the Gdansk performance, an open discussion with the audience took place about the symbolism of power and the modern reinterpretation of Shakespeare's tragedy.
The Franko Theater's tour through Polish cities is a sincere gesture of gratitude from the Ukrainian people to the Polish nation for their support, solidarity, and unyielding closeness, especially felt during the war against the Russian aggressor. This production stands not only as an artistic event but also as an act of cultural diplomacy that showcases how Ukrainian theater proudly represents our culture on the European stage.
The creative team includes: Director Ivan Uryvskyi; set designer Petro Bohomazov; costume designer Tetiana Ovsiychuk; assistant director Dmytro Hulienko; sound engineers Oleksandr Kryshytal and Ihor Hordiienko; lighting designer Pavlo Zhdanov; video engineer Oleksandr Rozhkov.
Cast members: Oleksandr Rudynskyi — Macbeth; Ivan Sharan — Banquo; Dmytro Chernov — Duncan; Malvina Khachatryan — Lady Macbeth; Renat Settarov — Macduff; Leonid Sherevera — Malcolm.
Upcoming performances of the play «Konotop Witch» by the National Theater named after I. Franko are scheduled in Poland: in Warsaw — January 21, 2026, and in Lodz — February 19, 2026.
The Ministry of Culture expresses gratitude to the Embassy of Ukraine in Poland, the National Academic Drama Theater named after Ivan Franko, and its General Director Yevhen Nyshchuk for their inspiring leadership and significant contributions to the development of Ukrainian theater and cultural diplomacy.
Special thanks to the First Concert Agency FIRST Concert Agency and Oleksii Zholud for supporting Ukrainian theater on the international stage.
We also thank the Polish side for their warm hospitality, professionalism, fruitful collaboration, and unwavering support for Ukraine.