London Applauds Ivan Franko Theatre’s ‘The Witch of Konotop’
The Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre’s tour of The Witch of Konotop in London has concluded with great success, The Gaze reports, citing Ukraine’s Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications.
On April 7 and 8, three sold-out performances of the acclaimed production, directed by Ivan Uryvsky, took place at the Hackney Empire. Each show was met with overwhelming emotion and gratitude from the audience.
To conclude the British leg of the tour, the theatre team—led by General and Artistic Director Yevhen Nyshchuk—held a charity auction. Among the items auctioned were a Ukrainian flag and a copy of “The Witch of Konotop” novel by Hryhoriy Kvitka-Osnovyanenko, both signed by Ukraine’s Ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi. The proceeds will be donated to support the Third Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“There was mysticism on stage and unity in the audience,” said visitors from Ivano-Frankivsk, a city in Western Ukraine, who expressed appreciation for the British audience’s support of Ukraine’s military and culture.
Directed by Ivan Uryvsky, The Witch of Konotop blends Ukrainian folklore, mysticism, and sharp social commentary. Premiered in 2023, the play offers a modern reinterpretation of Kvitka-Osnovyanenko’s classic novel.
As part of its Spring 2025 world tour, the production has already captivated audiences in France, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
As previously reported by The Gaze, a scene from the iconic play was shown at the Global Peace Summit in Switzerland.