Anatoliy Khostikoyev, a People’s Artist, Slams the Stage Production 'Chervona Ruta'

Anatoliy Khostikoyev Criticizes the Play 'Chervona Ruta'

According to Главком: In a recent interview, People’s Artist Anatoliy Khostikoyev sharply criticized the play 'Chervona Ruta,' directed by Maksym Holenko at the Maria Zankovetska Theater. He argues that the production distorts the legacy of the late director Serhiy Danchenko, who famously united talented performers at the Zankovetska Theater. Khostikoyev described the actors’ performance as deeply flawed, stating,

“This is outright lies!”

He added,

“If you had performed like that under Danchenko, he would have kicked you out.”

The play, written by playwright Natalka Vorozhbyt, explores the life of composer Volodymyr Ivasyuk and has been nominated for the Shevchenko National Prize. This controversy highlights ongoing debates in Ukrainian theater about historical accuracy and artistic standards.

Khostikoyev’s Acting Career and Personal Life

Khostikoyev began his acting career at the Maria Zankovetska Theater, where he played a Soviet lieutenant in 'When the Dead Come Alive' and the lead role in 'The Standard-Bearers.' He recalls the entrepreneurial theater company 'Beniuk and Khostikoyev,' which has six productions in its repertoire:

• 'My Profession is a Gentleman from High Society'
• 'Švejk'
• 'The White Crow'
• 'The Transdanubian at the Threshold'
• 'Luxury for Foreigners'
• 'Of Mice and Men'

The last of these won the Shevchenko National Prize. In 2004, during the Orange Revolution, Khostikoyev and Bohdan Beniuk skipped a tour in Minsk to instead perform 'Švejk' on Kyiv’s Maidan Square in a show of solidarity.

Khostikoyev also had a stint in politics, serving as a Kyiv city council deputy from the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc. He resigned from the post due to his nearly two-year commitment to the TV series 'The Heart Cannot Be Ordered.' He is the father of two actor sons, Heorhiy and Vyacheslav, who are also navigating the theater world. On June 26, the President of Ukraine awarded Heorhiy Khostikoyev the title of Honored Artist. Khostikoyev speaks warmly of his ex-wife, People’s Artist Liuba Kubiuk, mother of Heorhiy. He worries about his sons’ careers, saying,

“My only fear is that my sons will be actors without roles.”

Reflecting on the well-known conflict between the Sumska sisters, Khostikoyev remarks,

“Olha Sumska, as the aunt, should not have humiliated or insulted her nephew.”

He also discusses the tough times facing theater today, with Ukrainian artists confronting immense challenges. On a personal note, Khostikoyev shares that he took Valentyna Borysivna Danchenko, Serhiy Danchenko’s widow, out of hospice care. He also mourns the recent death of Vitya Krasin, who ran the carpentry workshop at the Franko Theater, calling it a heavy loss for the theater community.

Khostikoyev ends the interview on an optimistic note, asserting,

“Not a single one of my shows has been canceled this year! You won’t get that satisfaction!”

This determination underscores his commitment to creative work even in challenging times.

Khostikoyev’s criticism of 'Chervona Ruta' underscores the importance of historical truth and theatrical tradition. His comments may reflect deeper issues in contemporary Ukrainian theater, such as performance quality and cultural preservation. His reflections on personal relationships within the theater world and his concerns for the younger generation of actors also point to the complex emotional and professional challenges artists face today.

In light of Khostikoyev's strong stance on the artistic integrity of Ukrainian theater, it's worth examining how personal relationships among actors can also impact public perception and professional dynamics. Recently, another actor openly criticized a colleague regarding their romantic involvement with a fellow actress, which stirred discussions about ethics and professionalism in the industry. For more details, read about this unfolding drama here.