Ukrainian director Ivan Uryvskyi’s production of “Macbeth” will open the 35th Divadelná Nitra International Theatre Festival in Slovakia on September 25.
The production, based on William Shakespeare’s tragedy, was created by the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre and will be performed at the Andrej Bagar Theatre in Nitra. The festival runs from September 25 to 30.
Uryvskyi’s interpretation of “Macbeth” focuses on power and its destructive effect on individuals, as well as manipulation and personal responsibility. The Shakespearean story is placed within a contemporary theatrical context, exploring mechanisms of control and the construction of alternative realities.
The performance is being presented in cooperation between the Ukrainian Institute and Divadelná Nitra, with support from the Embassy of Ukraine in Slovakia.
Following the performance, the Ukrainian Embassy will host a reception as part of a series of cultural events marking the 35th anniversary of the restoration of Ukraine’s independence. The event will bring together Ukrainian artists, representatives of Slovakia’s cultural community, international festival guests and diplomats.
The festival programme will also include a discussion with members of the production’s creative team. The conversation will address Uryvskyi’s interpretation of Shakespeare, working with a classical text, the production’s theatrical language and the context in which it was created in contemporary Ukraine.
Divadelná Nitra has been one of Slovakia’s major international theatre events for 35 years. Its programme focuses on contemporary performing arts, socially and politically relevant themes and dialogue between theatre and civil society, combining performances with discussions, lectures, professional meetings and educational programmes.
Uryvskyi’s “Macbeth” was also selected for support by the international theatre platform PROSPERO NEW, co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.
