LISOVA at the Odessa Opera: Is it worth going to the premiere?
If you want to not just watch a ballet, but immerse yourself in a familiar Ukrainian story through the language of contemporary choreography, LISOVA could be a very good choice. The premiere at the Odessa National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet is based on the dramatic poem by Lesya Ukrainka "Forest Song," with music composed by Tymofiy Starenkov.
What is this performance about
LISOVA is a contemporary ballet in two acts, lasting approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. The performance includes one intermission, making it a full evening outing to the theater, rather than a short choreographic sketch.
The production and libretto were created by Olesya Shlyakhtych. Her team reinterprets the poetic plot of Lesya Ukrainka through movement, music, and stage imagery—without the need to literally reproduce the text on stage.
Who will enjoy it
It’s worth going for those who love contemporary ballet and want to see Ukrainian classics in a new form. It’s also a good option for getting acquainted with theater if traditional opera productions seem too academic: here, the main means of storytelling is plasticity, rather than vocal or spoken dialogues.
At the same time, be prepared for a visual and emotional performance. If you expect a literal stage version of "Forest Song," LISOVA will most likely be perceived as an author's interpretation, rather than an illustration from a school textbook.
Practical information
The official poster of the theater indicates the premiere on October 15 at 5:00 PM. Ticket prices start from 210 hryvnias. The performance will take place at the Odessa National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet.
So the short answer is yes, it’s worth going, especially if you are interested in Ukrainian drama, contemporary choreography, and large theatrical productions. Getting a ticket to LISOVA is a way to spend an evening beautifully while also seeing how "Forest Song" continues to live beyond the pages of a book. Would you go to such a contemporary interpretation of a classic story?
