Ivano-Frankivsk Theater Celebrates 115th Season
The Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater in Ivano-Frankivsk is commemorating its 115th performance season. To mark this milestone, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a decree bestowing honorary titles upon a group of the theater's artists. The decree, numbered 120/2026, was made public on February 12, 2026.
Artists Receiving Honors
Those honored include the following People's Artists of Ukraine:
- Nadiya Levchenko
- Roman Lutskyi
Additionally, the following were named Merited Artists of Ukraine:
- Liubomyr Valivets
- Yurii Vykhovanets
- Iryna Onyshchuk
- Oleh Panas
- Inna Smolii
Dmytro Letsia was awarded the title of Merited Art Worker of Ukraine. Merited Cultural Workers of Ukraine Andrii Katrych and Nazarii Paniv also received honors.
Further celebrating the anniversary, a series of performances based on Illarion Pavliuk's novel 'I See You Are Interested in Darkness' will be staged in February 2026 at the Zhovtnevyi Palace (ICCM) in Kyiv. This production is a co-production between the independent Wild Theater and the Maria Zankovetska National Academic Ukrainian Drama Theater. This event is poised to be a significant part of the 115th-season festivities, drawing attention to contemporary Ukrainian theatrical art.
The 115th-season celebration of the Ivano-Frankivsk Theater underscores the enduring importance of cultural traditions in Ukraine and recognizes the achievements of artists who contribute to the development of theatrical arts.
The awarding of these state honors not only acknowledges the individual accomplishments of the artists but also signals support for the development of the cultural sphere in the country. The events planned for the anniversary are likely to engage a broad audience and help promote Ukrainian culture nationally. The Ivan Franko Theater, like many regional theaters in Ukraine, serves as a vital cultural hub outside the capital.