Marija Zankovetska National Academic Drama Theatre, Lviv

Marija Zankovetska National Academic Drama Theatre in Lviv: the best traditions of Ukrainian drama

The Marija Zankovetska National Academic Ukrainian Drama Theatre in Lviv is one of the favourite theatres of Lviv residents and guests of the city. It is the oldest state theatre in Ukraine, and its company included Marija Zankovetska and Panas Saksahanskyi. When Marija Zankovetska was told that they wanted to name the theatre after her, she took offence and left the company.

The theatre has two stages: a main and a chamber one. The chamber stage, which is in the same building as the main one, shows plays that tell the love stories of famous people: Ivan Franko, Isadora Duncan, Marija Zankovetska… Or plays of an intimate character: about something deeply personal, with a few characters.

On the main stage of the Zankovetska Theatre, performances of classical Ukrainian and foreign drama predominate: «Natalka Poltavka», «The Marriage», «La Dame aux camélias», «Nazar Stodolia»… The niche of contemporary drama is occupied by the plays of Orest Ohorodnyk, in which every spectator will find their own character and their own story. So it is quite natural that these plays fill the halls, since they speak to the spectator about topical issues. The Zankovetska Theatre fills its halls with spectators, and the actors delight with their fine acting.