Lesya Ukrainka’s Dramas on the Scenes of Ukrainian Theatres in the Past Two Decades of Ukrainian Independence (as Reported by the Theatrical Press)

Abstract

This paper attempts to answer two questions: Why the dramatic legacy of Lesya Ukrainka, which represents the finest example of European drama writing, has rather been infrequently staged by Ukrainian directors? And to what extent this state of affairs has changed for the better throughout the past two decades of the Ukrainian independent state.

To answer these questions, the author has researched all the materials available from the web services offered by Ukrainian theatres, in the internet journal „Кіно-Театр” („Cinema-Theatre”) from the years 2001-2011 as well as in other internet publications. The analysis of the materials led the author to the conclusion that a lot of contemporary Ukrainian theatres adopt an innovative approach to Lesya Ukrainka’s dramatic legacy. However, the stage is still dominated by works such as Pieśń lasu (Лісова пісня) [The Song of the Wood] і Kamienny gospodarz (Камінний господар) [The Stone Host].