If you have not yet decided how to spend the evenings at the end of the year, then especially for you – December theatrical poster. WomanEL has collected 5 of the most anticipated premieres of the month, which are definitely worth seeing. These novelties promise unique stories, strong emotions and masterful acting by the actors. Travel with us through the theater world in December and be inspired by impressions before the New Year holidays.
Content“Saffron Rose””A majestic century. Fun” “Nertep East” “Orgy” “Mina Mazaylo”
“Saffron Rose”
On December 13 and 14, the National Operetta invites you on an exciting journey to sunny Spain. The musical performance “Saffron Rose” will open the door to the colorful world of Castilla-La Mancha, home to bright characters with their unpredictable adventures.
The production is inspired by the music of Spanish composer Jacinto Guerrera and classical works. The performance skillfully intertwines elements of Lope de Vega's “Dogs in the Hay” and Miguel de Cervantes' immortal “Don Quixote”, creating an atmosphere of Spanish passion, humor and adventure.
This is a story about love, honor and the magic of Spanish culture, which comes to life on stage to the accompaniment of enchanting music and incendiary rhythms.
“Magnificent Century. Fun”
On December 15, the premiere of the play “The Magnificent Century. Vesele” will take place on the stage of the Golden Gate Theater – a bold and witty production by director Oleksiy Gladushevsky based on the play by Serhiy Kulybyshev. The events unfold in a peaceful future, after the victory of Ukraine, in the village of Vesele, where life flows predictably and harmoniously.
One day, during a festive gathering, the head of the village Tolik makes a shocking coming out, declaring his homosexuality. It would seem that what business does a happy community have in the personal affairs of its leader? However, his confession becomes a kind of catalyst that destroys the superficial peace and reveals the hidden problems of the community.
“The Magnificent Century. Merry” is a humorous and at the same time profound look at a society that faces the challenges of tolerance, stereotypes and its own prejudices. The performance promises to become a magical mirror in which the audience will see themselves – with their illusions, doubts and truths.
“Vertep Skhid”
From December 25 to 27, the cultural cluster “Krakow” invites you to the “Vertep East” mini-festival, where the Kharkiv Puppet Theater will present two unique performances. The first, “The Nativity”. Musical performance”, immerses the audience in the magic of authentic carols of Slobozhanshchyna and the melody of carols of the UPA. It is a ritual of hope and struggle, in which the light will definitely triumph over the darkness.
The second performance, “The Nativity Scene”. War. Poems”, based on the poetry of Serhiy Zhadan, explores the fine line between joy and despair. In this mystery, anxiety and hope intertwine to culminate in light – real and metaphorical. We invite you to plunge into the festive atmosphere, where tradition and modernity combine in synergy.
“Orgy”
On December 28 and 29, the Maly Drama Theater will host a unique performance, “Orgy,” which combines three notable plays by Lesya Ukrainka: “Johanna, the Woman of Khusov,” “Obsessed,” and “Orgy.” Director Dmytro Veselsky created a large-scale production, involving all the theater's actors, students of the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture, as well as the choir and students of the Maly Theater School.
This is not just a performance, but a real synthesis of theater, music and visual art, where every detail – from scenography to performance – impresses with its depth and thoughtfulness. Viewers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the complex emotional world of Lesya Ukrainka's works, which intertwines passions, spiritual searches and the struggle for freedom of spirit.
“Mina Mazaylo”
On December 27 and 30, the Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Drama Theater invites you to a production of Mykola Kulish's most famous comedy, “Mina Mazaylo.” Director Vitaliy Gavura breathed new life into this family and everyday story. Although it was written almost a century ago, it sounds surprisingly relevant.
The plot revolves around the employee Mina Mazaylo, who is convinced that all his failures are due to his “unsuccessful” surname. He decides to change it to the more “prestigious” Russian Mazenin. This gives rise to conflicts within the family and becomes a reflection of deeper social problems.
The production skillfully reinterprets the comedy as a philosophical work about the search for identity, national inferiority, and the repetition of history lessons. The audience is invited to look into the depths of questions that still concern us: who we are and what our role is in the world. The main roles will be played by Vyacheslav Nikolenko, Olena Nescheret, Sofia Gushchyk, Daria Stepankova and others. This is a performance that provides both humor and reason for reflection.
We will also remind you of 5 theatrical masterpieces of November that are worth seeing on stage.