Ukrainian theatre cancels participation in Theatre Olympics in Budapest because of Russians there

The Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre has refused to participate in the 10th Theatre Olympics in Budapest (Hungary) because of the inclusion of Russians in the programme.

Source: The theatre representatives on Facebook

Quote: "More than four months ago, we agreed to participate in the Theatre Olympics with the performances of The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui and Caligula only after receiving assurances from the organisers that there would be no representatives of the aggressor country Russia in the programme."

Details: The theatre representatives have also said that in a letter to the organisers dated 19 January 2023, they reiterated their position and stressed that "calls for a 'dialogue without politics' and the restoration of 'destroyed bridges' with Russian artists are absolutely unacceptable".

However, recently, the Theatre Olympics programme has been supplemented by the REX performance staged by Valery Fokin, the artistic director of the Alexandrinsky Theatre. "The Olympics also featured a screening of his film Petropolis, starring Anton Shagin, a Russian actor who actively supports the war against Ukraine," the theatre added.

Performance "Caligula"

Photo: The Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre

Therefore, the Ivan Franko Theatre has announced that it refuses to participate in this event. Instead, it will prepare for participation in several other international festivals in Europe.

Quote: "Our theatre sincerely wanted to join the great world theatre event and did a lot of work to prepare the show of Ukrainian performances in Budapest, but we cannot agree with the dubious ‘neighbourhood’ in the programme of the Theatre Olympics. The Franko Theatre understands the importance of presenting Ukrainian culture abroad and is constantly working to develop international cooperation with colleagues from around the world. At the same time, we maintain an unwavering position on the impossibility of participating in international events that invite representatives of a terrorist country and people who justify Russia's aggression."

For reference: The 10th Theatre Olympics is an international forum that presents the work of leading theatre artists from around the world. This year, it will take place from 1 April to 1 July, and was opened with a performance by the world-famous acrobat László Simet Jr. The audience will see performances by about 200 groups from more than 30 countries. The programme includes 550 performances at 70 locations.

In addition to the REX performance, the programme also includes such performances as Rasputin, Anna Karenina, and Siberian Chardash.

Photo from performance "Siberian Chardash"

Journalists fight on their own frontline. Support Ukrainska Pravda or become our patron!