Turmoil at the National Academic Drama Theatre
Ukraine's People's Artist Anatoliy Khostikoyev has spoken out about the conflict that erupted at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre following the death of legendary actor Bohdan Stupka. The dispute intensified when references were made to a non-existent will attributed to Stupka during discussions about appointing Stanislav Moiseyev as the theatre's artistic director. Khostikoyev dismissed rumors that he wanted to lead the theatre himself, noting that back in 2007 he had already turned down an offer from the Ministry of Culture to take on that role.
Three-Day Staff Meeting
A meeting of the theatre company spanned three days, during which the majority of the troupe voted against Moiseyev's candidacy. Staff members even gathered signatures to support their position. On the third day, Culture Minister Mykhailo Kulynyak arrived at the theatre. Khostikoyev recalled the incident:
“He came in and said: 'What's going on here? Right! Everyone to their workstations.' And he told me to shut my mouth.” — Anatoliy Khostikoyev
Following these events, Khostikoyev received threats. He stated: “I got calls saying: 'If you don't keep your mouth shut, you'll have to deal with Azarov's janissaries!' I don't know who was calling. Fear spread through the company. People were afraid to even greet me.” Despite the tension, Khostikoyev and Moiseyev eventually restored their personal relationship.
However, from 2012 to 2017, while Stanislav Moiseyev was in charge, Khostikoyev was not given any roles. Khostikoyev emphasized that Bohdan Stupka never left a will, declaring: “After Moiseyev said everything would be fine, I took the floor and asked to see this will. If it exists, let's hang it at the theatre entrance and kiss it every time we walk by! Though a theatre—especially a state-run one—cannot simply be passed down through a will.”
This situation highlights the complex relationships within the theatre community and the challenges creative teams face during times of change. Conflicts like this can have lasting effects on a country's cultural life, as they involve not only individuals but also the institution's overall reputation. Addressing such issues through dialogue and a constructive approach is essential to preserving a creative atmosphere in the theatre.
The ongoing controversies surrounding Bohdan Stupka's legacy have drawn parallels to earlier conflicts within the theatre community. For instance, in a notable incident, Stupka reportedly took a stand against Mykolaichuk, leading to significant repercussions in their professional relationship. This historical context sheds light on the current turmoil at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre, offering insights into the complex dynamics that continue to shape its future. To explore this intriguing episode further, check out the details of the conflict involving Stupka and Mykolaichuk.