Plans for Theater Grounds Revitalization
Yevhen Nyshchuk, General Director of the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater, has announced a comprehensive plan to revitalize the area surrounding the theater. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize Kyiv's cultural infrastructure. The planned improvements include:
- Renovating the adjacent squares,
- Relocating the bust of Ivan Franko,
- Reorganizing the parking area,
- Creating an inclusive access route for patrons.
The renovation of the square opposite the theater is already finished, and a project to refurbish the square to the theater's left—where the bust of the renowned Ukrainian writer is currently located—has been prepared.
Enhancing Accessibility and Visibility
Nyshchuk explained that the bust of Ivan Franko currently stands on a Stalin-era pedestal, which needs to be replaced. He stated the monument must be moved to a more prominent location as it is currently obscured.
"The Stalinist pedestal beneath it must be replaced, and the bust moved to a visible spot because right now it can't be seen. Essentially, the pedestal was hidden so that no one could see the Stonebreaker," Nyshchuk noted.
He also emphasized that the chaotic appearance of the area in front of the theater, largely due to parking, makes access difficult for audiences.
Furthermore, plans are underway to create a new performance space named the 'Stage Under the Chimeras.' This project is linked to honoring the memory of Les Kurbas, who led the theater from 1924 to 1926 and lived in the nearby House with Chimeras, designed by architect Vladyslav Gorodetsky. Nyshchuk remarked:
"On the site of one of our storage buildings, we are creating another venue—the 'Stage Under the Chimeras.' I want a new, modern, experimental, non-academic space to emerge there, one that speaks about important things."
Nyshchuk also pointed out that the route from Maidan Square along Horodetskoho and Zankovetska streets is not suitable for patrons with limited mobility.
'I already have a developed plan from the start of Maidan to the theater entrance that would make this entire route inclusive,' he added.
He stressed the critical importance of funding for the arts, stating:
'Funding for culture should not be a last priority, as culture has always been a weapon.'
The implementation of these initiatives is expected to significantly improve the theater's accessibility for all patrons and pay tribute to prominent figures in Ukrainian culture. These changes could also serve as a starting point for the further development of cultural infrastructure in Ukraine, which is vital for supporting and promoting theatrical art in contemporary society.