Ukrainian Theatre: From Koryfeis to Avant-Garde
If you are interested in understanding where Ukrainian theatre originated and why its stage language changed so rapidly, this lecture is worth your attention. The online meeting will take place on May 7, 2026, at 12:40 PM; the organizer is the Kharkiv State Academy of Culture.
What Will Be Discussed
The title of the lecture promises a journey from the theatre of koryfeis — the creators of the professional Ukrainian stage — to the bold experiments of theatrical avant-garde. Such a route helps to see not just a sequence of names and performances, but a change in the very notion of theatre: from traditional dramatic narration to the search for new plasticity, rhythm, space, and interaction with the audience.
It is particularly interesting to trace how the Ukrainian stage entered modernism in the 20th century. The Kharkiv State Academy of Culture examines Ukrainian theatre, particularly the theatrical avant-garde and the works of Les Kurbas, as an important part of Ukraine's cultural history in its educational and scientific materials.
Who Will Be Interested
The lecture will suit those who love theatre but do not want to limit themselves to watching performances. It may also interest students, teachers, novice actors, and anyone who wants to better understand why the Ukrainian stage combines folk tradition, dramatic art, and experimentation.
The online format is especially convenient if you are in Kharkiv or another city and cannot attend the cultural event in person. Just set aside some time in the middle of the day and join the conversation from home or work.
So if you want to see Ukrainian theatre not as a collection of separate figures but as a living path from koryfeis to avant-garde explorations, this lecture is worth adding to your calendar. Will you join on May 7?
