Anatoliy Khostikoyev Brings 'King Lear' to the Stage at the Franko Theater

Premiere of 'King Lear. Version'

According to Главком: The Ivan Franko National Theater is closing its 106th season with a new production titled 'King Lear. Version,' directed by and starring Ukraine’s People’s Artist, Anatoliy Khostikoyev. Now 73 years old, Khostikoyev considers this performance not just another addition to the repertoire but a pivotal milestone in his artistic journey.

Khostikoyev is also known for his directorial debut, 'Kin IV,' which remained in the theater’s repertoire for two decades. Despite removing it twice from the lineup, audience demand kept bringing it back. For 'King Lear. Version,' the creative team drew inspiration from the story of the village of Stebli, situated on the right bank of the Uzh River. At the time of the events depicted, only 101 people lived there.

Reactions and Khostikoyev’s Creative Path

By August 30, most of the orchestra seats, boxes, and balcony sections for 'King Lear. Version' had already been sold, reflecting strong public anticipation. During an interview, Khostikoyev stated:

“I made a good performance. I did what I wanted, exactly as I planned!”

Khostikoyev’s career has not been free of tensions with the theater’s artistic directors. Under Bohdan Stupka’s leadership, he went a decade without roles, and under Stanislav Moiseyev, another five years. He also co-founded an independent theater project with Bohdan Beniuk, and in 2007, he was offered the position of theater director as well as a ministerial post.

Khostikoyev’s wife, Natalia Sumska, is also a People’s Artist and has performed in numerous productions, including 'The Kaidash Family,' where she once remarked: 'I’ll perform, but there’s one problem-children age too quickly.' In his recollections, Khostikoyev also speaks of colleagues like Vyacheslav Sumsky, who used to say, 'Theater is an amazing thing!' and other prominent figures in the theatrical community.

Khostikoyev noted that the production 'The Forest,' directed by Dmytro Bohomazov, was removed from the repertoire because its playwright, Alexander Ostrovsky, is a Russian author. This highlights the relevance and complexity of theatrical work amid the current political climate.

In closing, reflecting on his professional achievements, Anatoliy Khostikoyev said:

“Stand for yourself. Do as you feel.”

This underscores his deep understanding and love for theater, as well as his drive to create and realize his artistic visions.

The premiere of 'King Lear. Version,' under Khostikoyev’s direction, is a significant event not only for the theater but also for Ukraine’s cultural community, demonstrating how classic works can be adapted to modern realities. The strong ticket sales point to a revival of theater culture in Ukraine. The production also grapples with complex issues tied to the political context, particularly the use of creative materials associated with Russian culture amid contemporary challenges. Such events reaffirm the theater’s role as a platform for discussing pressing social and political topics.

As audiences eagerly await the premiere, Khostikoyev’s vision for this adaptation draws intriguing parallels with other contemporary interpretations of Shakespeare's work. For those interested in a bold reimagining, the Ivan Franko Theatre's latest production not only reflects Khostikoyev’s creative journey but also resonates with themes explored in modern adaptations of classic tragedies. This context adds depth to the understanding of 'King Lear. Version' and its significance in today's theatrical landscape.