Investigation Targets Odesa Regional Academic Drama Theater
Amid a growing dispute, Ukraine's Language Ombudsman has initiated an investigation into the Odesa Regional Academic Drama Theater over suspected violations of the country's language law. The probe was triggered by reports from Glavkom regarding the cancellation of the premiere of the play 'Myna Mazailo'. Anna Nerush, a representative of the Language Ombudsman, confirmed that the agency had received multiple complaints about potential breaches occurring within the theater.
Among those filing complaints is Andriy Gryshyn, a student from Kyiv, who had a confrontation with the theater's director, Olena Shramko-Pushkina. The scandal has now been ongoing for three months. The premiere of 'Myna Mazailo', based on a play by Mykola Kulish, was canceled in the spring. Theater management criticized the choice of the play and its stage adaptation, arguing it could incite ethnic hostility.
Internal Affairs and Language Controversy
Audio recordings obtained by Glavkom confirm that members of the theater's artistic council communicated in Russian during their discussions. Those involved included:
- Director Olena Shramko-Pushkina
- People's Artist Oleh Shkolnik
- Honored Artist Hennadiy Skarha
- People's Artist Olha Ravytska
Shramko-Pushkina also made remarks about the Holodomor in Ukraine, stating that
“there were more terrible things there than in Ukraine”. She also commented on tourists from western Ukraine, expressing concern that
“they will pollute the coastline”.
This situation follows a recent language controversy at another Odesa theater, where Russian-language signage, banned literature, and social media violations were discovered. Four administrative protocols were filed against that institution. Notably, in 2022, the word 'Russian' was removed from the name of the Odesa Regional Drama Theater.
The ongoing investigation underscores the heightened sensitivity around language issues in Ukraine, particularly as they relate to cultural identity and the protection of the state language. The cancellation of 'Myna Mazailo' and the allegations of Russian language use within the theater have sparked widespread debate, potentially influencing the repertoire and operational practices of Ukrainian theaters nationwide. These events highlight the pressing need to comply with language legislation and to carefully navigate cultural considerations amid contemporary challenges.
In light of the ongoing investigation into the Odesa Regional Academic Drama Theater, it is important to note that this is not an isolated incident. Recently, another theater in Odesa faced scrutiny and received four official citations due to violations related to Russian-language signs and banned literature. This highlights a broader concern regarding language compliance in cultural institutions across the region. For further details on this related controversy, see the full story on the situation at the other theater here.