“The Konotop Witch” — a Ukrainian theatrical event in Lodz / Teatr Wielki – January 19, 2026
We invite you to discover the magic of Ukrainian theatre. On January 19, 2026, the legendary play The Konotop Witch will be performed on the stage of Teatr Wielki.
About the play
The Konotop Witch is a production by director Ivan Uryvskyi that combines Ukrainian folklore, mystical motifs, and pressing social themes. First presented in 2023 in Kyiv during the war at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre, the performance is based on the classic novella by Hryhorii Kvitka-Osnovianenko, reimagined through a contemporary lens.
Cast
Khrystyna Korchynska, Andrii Saminin, Oleksandr Yarema, Viacheslav Khostikoiev, Mariia Rudynska, Malvina Khachatrian, Maryna Dadaleva, Kateryna Artemenko.
Main themes of the play
✓ Female strength and independence
✓ Fears, superstitions, and persecution
✓ The choice between light and darkness
✓ The ecological crisis as a consequence of spiritual decline
Directorial approach
Ivan Uryvskyi merges Ukrainian traditions with contemporary theatre. The production employs minimalist scenography, symbolic set design, and immersive light and sound effects, creating a mystical atmosphere that fully draws the audience into its world.
“For me, the central theme is the choice between two forces – Light and Darkness…” — Ivan Uryvskyi.
Critical and audience response
The performance has sparked mixed reactions: praised for its depth and innovative approach, while some consider it too experimental. Yet all agree that The Konotop Witch reshapes perceptions of modern Ukrainian theatre.
A cultural phenomenon
This production is more than just a play — it is a symbol of Ukraine’s cultural revival. It reflects societal transformations, the search for a new identity, and a rethinking of both historical and contemporary challenges.
“The Konotop Witch”
Teatr Wielki, Lodz
January 19, 2026 | 7:00 pm
Tickets available online. Limited seating.
