The National Academic Drama Theater named after Ivan Franko introduced the international audience to a new rendition of the classic play «Macbeth», directed by Ivan Uryvskyi. The international premiere took place on November 9 at the Shakespeare Theater in Gdansk, followed by a performance on November 11 at the Arnold Schifman Theater in Warsaw with support from the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine.
This performance captivated the audience with its profound acting, contemporary visual elements, and innovative direction. The director offers a fresh interpretation of the struggle between good and evil, power and humanity. Spectators can draw parallels with today's realities — dictatorship, the seduction of power, and the fight for freedom.
In this adaptation of «Macbeth», demonic forces take on new forms — witches become omniscient digital entities that manipulate people. In a world where truth is lost in misinformation, «Macbeth» serves as a powerful warning for our times.
Ambassador of Ukraine to Poland Vasyl Bodnar attended the premiere in Warsaw with his family and embassy staff. In his speech, he expressed gratitude to the artists and audience, emphasizing that «culture is the foundation of a nation’s spiritual strength, preserving its identity and speaking to the world even in times of war».
Following the performance in Gdansk, a discussion with the audience addressed the symbolism of power, the nature of evil, and contemporary reinterpretations of Shakespeare's tragedies.
The tour of the Franko Theater through Polish cities symbolizes the gratitude of the Ukrainian people to the Polish people for their support and solidarity, especially felt during the war with the Russian aggressor. This performance represents not only an artistic event but also an act of cultural diplomacy, showcasing how Ukrainian theater proudly presents our culture on the European stage.
The production team included: director Ivan Uryvskyi; set designer Petro Bohomazov; costume designer Tetyana Ovsiychuk; assistant director Dmytro Hulenkо; sound engineers Oleksandr Kryshтал and Igor Hordiienko; lighting designer Pavlo Zhadanov; video engineer Oleksandr Rozhkov.
Cast members: Oleksandr Rudynskyi (Macbeth), Ivan Sharan (Banquo), Dmytro Chernov (Duncan), Malvina Khachatrjan (Lady Macbeth), Renat Settarov (Macduff), Leonid Sherevera (Malcolm).
Upcoming performances of «Konotop Witch» in Poland are also scheduled: in Warsaw on January 21, 2026, and in Lodz on February 19, 2026.
The Ministry of Culture expresses its 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 significant contributions to the development of Ukrainian theater.
Special thanks to the FIRST Concert Agency and Oleksii Zholud for their support of Ukrainian theater on the international stage.
We also thank our Polish partners for their warm welcome, professionalism, and unwavering support for Ukraine.