Rivne to Host Performance of 'Lake Wind'
On July 6, 2026, the city of Rivne will present 'Lake Wind,' a theatrical production by the Lutsk-based independent theater troupe 'Harmider.' This marks the first stage adaptation of the novella of the same name by writer and translator Yurko Pokalchuk. The play is produced under the 'Pako House' initiative, a cultural project operating in Lutsk that focuses on the Pokalchuk family's legacy.
The performance will take place at the Drama Theatre in Rivne. 'Lake Wind' is a mystical drama exploring love that bridges two worlds—reality and fantasy. The story centers on a young man named Volyn, who, after encountering Princess O, finds himself caught between the human and mythological realms. For many years, Volyn remains shielded from human fears and sorrows, but his fate shifts when he falls in love with an ordinary earthly girl. This love gives rise to a beautiful legend explaining the origin of the name 'Volyn.'
Creative Meeting and Cultural Initiative
Director and adapter Ruslana Porytska noted that the story
“brings together the worlds of humans, forests, water, animals, spirits, and the dead. Polissia in this tale is a space where nature possesses its own memory and even a moral code.”
The creators emphasize that the production does not aim to literally replicate Pokalchuk’s text, but rather to reinterpret it within a contemporary context.
Yurko Pokalchuk, author of the novella, was born in 1941 and passed away in 2008. He was a celebrated writer, translator, scholar, and cultural figure, authoring over 20 books. His work significantly shaped Ukrainian literature, notably by being the first to translate works by world classics such as Jorge Luis Borges and Ernest Hemingway into Ukrainian.
Additionally, on June 27, 2026, a creative meeting with writer Oleksandr Irvanets will be held at the 'Ye' bookstore in Rivne. 'Lake Wind' is part of a broader initiative focused on systematically researching, reinterpreting, and promoting the artistic and cultural heritage of Yurko Pokalchuk and his family through interdisciplinary formats, including theater, literature, public events, and cultural projects.
These planned events, including the 'Lake Wind' performance and the creative meeting with Oleksandr Irvanets, reflect a revitalization of cultural life in Ukraine, particularly in promoting the creative legacy of prominent artists. They also underscore the importance of preserving and advancing Ukrainian literature and art through new forms that can engage modern audiences.