Behind Bars, Former Young Theatre Director Pens an Investigative Memoir

Andriy Bilous and His Autobiographical Book

According to Главком: Andriy Bilous, the former director of the Young Theatre and a lecturer at the Karpenko-Kary University, is currently in custody. He has announced plans to write an autobiographical investigative book titled 'Zaklyakli' (The Frozen). He intends to publish excerpts on a new Facebook page. Bilous faces allegations of sexual assault involving five female students, incidents that reportedly occurred between March 2018 and April 2023. He denies these accusations and has spoken about experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Bilous, who is also a theater director, has been held in pretrial detention for a year and a half. In his statements, he emphasizes that 'Zaklyakli' represents his effort to recount the circumstances leading to his imprisonment. The first chapter, titled 'The Politics of Feminism,' is set to be released soon. Bilous noted:

'For now, there will be no names, details, or specifics. No lyrical passages, artistic imagery, or event descriptions. No memories or intimate scenes-all of that will appear uncensored in the printed version of the book.'

Psychological Struggles and Support

In his comments, Bilous describes his state of mind, stating: 'You are living through a nightmare. A terrible dream. Waking up each morning, you realize it’s not a dream.' He also expressed deep frustration over losing his job, reputation, and future prospects:

'They took everything from me. My work, my creativity, my income.'

Bilous shares the psychological hardships he faces in prison. 'Every morning when I wake up, I stare for a long time at the convenient hook above my head in the cell. I start my day by convincing myself to keep living,' he says. He also expresses shock at the negative comments from his former students and colleagues: 'I can’t believe my own ears when I listen to the audio recordings in the case materials.'

Bilous’s wife, Iryna Bilous, has reached out to the Prosecutor General’s Office, signaling her support for her husband during this difficult period. Police have charged Bilous with sexual assault, leading to his detention and sparking widespread public debate.

Bilous states that he intends to continue his investigation through the book, hoping to shed light on the situation. 'My guilt is a myth! A fabrication! No one knows better than you that there was never any violence,' he claims.

This case has drawn significant public attention, touching not only on Bilous’s personal ordeal but also on broader issues of sexual assault allegations and societal responses. The forthcoming book may become a key element in his efforts to defend his position and reveal details that could shape public opinion. At the same time, the Bilous case highlights the complexities faced by both victims and the accused in such situations, fueling discussions about justice, reputation, and the psychological toll on everyone involved.