KYIV: Anatoliy Levchenko, 54, recently launched a theatre in Kyiv, recruiting young drama students from Mariupol for his new venture after winning a small grant competition. The initiative enabled him to pay the actors and secure a rehearsal space in the Ukrainian capital.
Speaking to news agency, Levchenko expressed his passion for reviving the theatre in Kyiv, explaining, “It’s like we lost something there and it’s been moved here. It gives me goosebumps.”
Levchenko’s arrest on suspicion of terrorism and extremism post-2022 invasion raised questions about his theatrical activities. He suspects a former colleague reported him for “pro-Ukrainian activities,” highlighting the absurdity of the interrogation: “Tell us about the play!” he recounted. “I spent three hours explaining who enters when and says what.”
His former actors have split, with some forming a new theatre in western Ukraine staging “Mariupol Drama,” while others remain, performing under occupation, showcasing narratives preferred by Russian authorities.
Levchenko’s career at Mariupol Drama Theatre, where he aimed to transform it into a European-style theatre, abruptly ended in 2020 due to his pro-Ukrainian stance. Undeterred, he founded Terra Incognita, staging a repertoire of Ukrainian, Russian, and international plays.
The current production in Kyiv features a dark comedy by Ukrainian playwright Neda Nezhdana, exploring themes of personal freedom through two women trapped in an underground morgue. Nezhdana, attending the premiere, expressed gratitude for the theatre’s rebirth with her play, reflecting on its relevance amidst current events.
Despite the challenges, Levchenko remains committed: “The war forced many of us to make a choice for ourselves,” he remarked, underscoring the play’s enduring relevance in turbulent times.
