Celebrating a Century of Ukrainian Theatre in Odesa

The Odesa Academic Ukrainian Musical and Dramatic Theatre named after V. Vasylyk has marked its centenary. The celebration of this significant date was shared by the theatre on its social media platforms.

Founded on November 7, 1925, in Odesa, this theatre became the voice of Ukrainian culture in the city. Over a hundred years, the theatre has experienced various phases: from the innovative spirit of the 1920s to the pressures of the 1930s, wartime evacuations, and post-war rebirth, as well as the challenges of independence and crises.

The first artistic director was Mark Tereshchenko, but in the second season, Vasyl Vasylyk took over — a director whose works have left a mark in the annals of world theatre. The innovative wave of this artist was supported by various acting ensembles over the decades.

In its first three years, the theatre presented 34 premieres, including "Viy," "Two Hares," "Haydamaky," and "Marusya Bohuslavka." By the 1930s, it had become a true center of theatrical life, where the most renowned actors and directors of the time worked.

During the war, the theatre was evacuated, and only in 1944, with the liberation of Odesa, did it return home. Under the shattered chandeliers, the Ukrainian language once again filled the space. The post-war period became a time of spiritual uplift — classics like "Natalka Poltavka," "Stolen Happiness," and "Forest Song" were revived on stage.

In the 1990s, despite challenges, the theatre managed to preserve the Ukrainian language on its stage and remained a space for creative freedom. Now, under the guidance of Yuliya Pyvovarova, it skillfully blends classics with contemporary drama — the works of Olha Kobylianska and Shakespeare, Hotsky and Vorozhbyt resonate on its stage.

The modern chapter of the theatre includes premieres in shelters, international co-productions, jazz in the Greek hall, and young talents alongside national artists.

The Vasylyk Theatre symbolizes light even in darkness.
About the Ukrainian language that fills the auditorium.
About beauty, truth, and strength that sustains us in the toughest times.
Gratitude to all who have contributed to these 100 years.
Inspiration to those who will create the next century.
Happy anniversary, our beloved Odesa Ukrainian Theatre!
May the stage always shine, and the hall be filled! — reads the theatre's message.

The artists also invited their admirers to celebrate the anniversary together: on November 8 for the show "Hello, Monster!" and on November 9 for "Neapolitan Passions."