From Friday 14th – Saturday 15th June, the Royal Shakespeare Company will welcome Theatre Studio of IDP’s Uzhik from Ukraine to perform their powerful new production of Shakespeare’s King Lear. This unique rendition of the classic play, which made its premiere during the height of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, will be performed in Ukrainian without surtitles, giving audiences a powerful exploration of loss and resilience. 

As part of their visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, members of the Theatre Studio of IDP’s Uzhik will meet with representatives from internationally displaced people groups across Warwickshire (including Welcome Here, Mosaic Church, Hand in Hand and Association of Ukrainians of Great Britain) who will be given the opportunity to watch a performance ahead of the public opening.

The theatre company’s roots are in the small town of Uzhhorod in Transcarpathia, where many Ukrainians sought refuge following the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The project was spearheaded by local activist and show director Vyacheslav Yehorov, who believes the play offers new meaning for those affected by the conflict, and offered some insight into the production:

How does it feel to be coming to the RSC in Stratford to perform your production of King Lear? 

It’s very cool. It’s a dream come true. When I talk to my colleagues from Uzhhorod they ask me ‘how did you do that?!'

What do you hope audiences will feel after seeing your show? 

I’m hoping for a very specific reaction. I hope that people feel that life is stronger than death. The person who has their mind filled with war, he will always be on the losing side.

Why have you chosen the production of King Lear to perform? 

For me it’s the greatest tragic masterpiece in the world. The play ‘King Lear’ was my thesis written at the Uzhhorod Institute of Culture and Art. In March 2022 (during the outbreak of war) I saw a lot of people who are very genuine and I felt that these people were already actors in a real tragedy. And there Shakespeare has such words. Although we are saddened by the events of this real-life tragedy, we have to live in hope, be strong and love, which requires time.

What makes this production special? 

I don’t think anyone in Stratford will have seen a Ukrainian production of King Lear before. I also hope that after the performance you [audiences] will understand what kind of people we are. We are very different to Russian people. You can see us as real people, you can understand us better in general and see what kind of people we are.

Have there been challenges bringing this production to Stratford?

Funnily enough everything was so easy. The whole thing was done in 1 month and 26 days. Basically our desire to leave, it’s helping us to deal with the obstacles, it’s giving us the strength to leave.

Why is this play so important to perform now? 

It’s very important that people feel protected and people have their human rights protected. We are reacting to these events and we want to show how everything is changing. One day we have rights and the next, they are taken away from us. 

What is next for you and the theatre company? 

My next plan is to do 1984 by George Orwell.

The Theatre Studio of IDP’s Uzhik was formed by displaced individuals from various walks of life, coming together to find hope and meaning through theatre. They believe the production of King Lear has been a therapeutic journey for its participants and a symbol of resilience and unity in the face of adversity.

The cast of 12 includes teachers, students, labourers, salesmen, and doctors who moved to Uzhhorod during the war. This diverse group combines original members and newcomers who have joined since the conflict began, none of whom are professional actors, but all found solace and strength in the theatre. 
This visit marks the first time the Theatre Studio of IDP’s Uzhik’s production of King Lear will be staged outside of Ukraine. 

Joining the director, Viacheslav Yehorov, on the creative team are Oleksandr Larchenko (Technical Support), Asia Antsyferova (Sound Designer), Yuliia Yehorova (Producer), Veronika Hromadska (Make-Up Artist, Translator and Photographer), Viktoriya Nad (Project Manager), Ahnesa Tsvilodub (Assistant Director) and Hennadii Yeshkunov (Stage Manager).

The full cast comprises of Olena Aliabieva, Tetiana Holyshevska, Yuliia Horielkova, Veronika Hromadska, Andrii Khomik, Myroslava Koshtura, Viktoriya Lyulko, Viktoriya Nad, Olena Perekotiienko, Olena Potseluieva, Ahnesa Tsvilodub and Hennadii Yeshkunov.