Artists' Leave Extended
Two principal soloists of the National Opera of Ukraine, People's Artist of Ukraine Natalia Matsak and Honored Artist of Ukraine Serhiy Kryvokon, will remain abroad for an additional 90 days. The theater's General Director, Petro Chuprina, has extended their unpaid leave from January 26 to April 26, in accordance with Ukrainian law. The artists have been abroad since touring with a production of Pyotr Tchaikovsky's ballet 'Swan Lake'. This situation highlights the complex challenges cultural institutions face during wartime.
The artists' initial period of unpaid leave was set to conclude on January 26. However, they submitted a request for an extension until April 26. The legal basis for this extension is Part 4 of Article 12 of Law No. 2136, which permits granting unpaid leave for up to 90 calendar days to employees who are abroad during the period of martial law.
Reaction and Next Steps
On January 21, the news outlet 'Glavcom' published a report on the artists' tour, sparking debate within Ukrainian cultural circles. On February 3, Matsak and Kryvokon issued a joint statement addressed to Petro Chuprina and Minister of Culture Tetiana Berezhna, outlining their conditions, which included:
- An end to psychological pressure;
- An official investigation into the cancellation of Serhiy Kryvokon's military service deferment.
The artists' contracts with the National Opera are valid until December 2027.
Petro Chuprina stated that, according to the law, he has no alternative but to grant this leave to employees abroad during martial law. He added that the matter will be reviewed in three months, as circumstances may change by then. According to Chuprina, the artists have not submitted any resignation letters, and the theater's management has not pressured them to do so. The director emphasized that his actions are based on common sense, legal requirements, and the terms of their signed contracts.
The extended leave for Natalia Matsak and Serhiy Kryvokon has caused significant controversy in Ukraine's cultural community, particularly regarding the conditions of their employment and their relationship with the theater's management.
While artists have a legal right to such leave during martial law, their extended stay abroad and demands for an official investigation could affect their future collaboration with the theater. The situation remains under the management's review, and they are prepared to reconsider the matter in three months.