Ukrainian theatre is having a major moment: tickets are selling out months in advance, and clips from performances are racking up millions of views on TikTok. One standout example is the “Never Skip Ukrainian Cabaret” trend, which went viral not only in Ukraine but around the world. Users shared clips from the Molodyi Theatre’s performance and even cosplayed as the characters. At the Ivan Franko National Theatre, the satirical comedy The Witch of Konotop has been playing to sold-out crowds for over two years. In 2025, the cast kicked off a world tour and performed in Toronto this June.
YBBP has rounded up the most stunning productions from Ukrainian theatres — shows you won’t want to miss, whether you’re visiting Kyiv or catching a touring performance abroad. You can purchase tickets through the “Ostap” chatbot on Telegram.
1. Satirical comedy “The Witch of Konotop”
Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre
About the play. This production is based on the novella The Witch of Konotop by Ukrainian writer Hryhorii Kvitka-Osnovianenko. Set during the time of the Cossack Hetmanate, the story takes place in Konotop—a town controlled by the corrupt officer sotnyk Zabryokha and his cunning clerk Pistryak. The people are suffering through a harsh drought and live in constant fear as the Hetman calls troops to defend the Cossack state in Chernihiv. To avoid the campaign, Zabryokha and Pistryak blame the town’s troubles on local women, accusing them of being witches. They also use the conflict for their own benefit: Zabryokha plans to marry young Olena, who loves another, and Pistryak hopes to become sotnyk himself. Frightened locals don’t notice their schemes and support the witch hunt to distract themselves from their hardships. Meanwhile, a real witch, Yavdokha Zubyha, is planning her revenge.
Why it’s worth seeing. Director Ivan Uryvskyi skillfully weaves together Ukrainian folklore, satire, and social themes, such as the choice between darkness and light. The production stuns with its visuals, professional vocals, and sound and lighting effects that create a mystical atmosphere. It’s one of the most popular productions in Ukraine. Since its premiere in April 2023, every performance has sold out — not just in Kyiv, but also in other cities on tour.
- Watch a clip: 1, 2.
Buy tickets: World Tour, Kyiv shows.
2. Musical “Cabaret”
Kyiv National Academic Molodyi Theatre
About the play. An adaptation of the famous Broadway musical. Set in early 1930s Berlin, as Nazi ideology spreads across Europe, a young American writer, Cliff Bradshaw, arrives in the city and meets Sally Bowles, a cabaret performer. Meanwhile, Herr Schultz, a Jewish fruit shop owner, courts Frau Schneider, the landlady of a local boarding house. The story of these two couples unfolds against the backdrop of the dazzling performances at the Kit Kat Club cabaret.
Why it’s worth seeing. The actors give charismatic performances with fantastic singing. The choreography is by the well-known Ukrainian dance company Freedom Ballet. Clips from the show have racked up hundreds of thousands of views on TikTok, and actor Illia Choporov, who plays the Cabaret Emcee, has become a social media sensation. Another standout feature is the bright, detailed costumes, custom-made for each actor.
3. Drama “The Stone Host”
Theatre on Podil
About the play. This production is based on the poem The Stone Host by Lesya Ukrainka — the first work in Ukrainian literature to explore a love triangle involving the legendary seducer Don Juan. Set in medieval Spain, the young and selfish aristocrat Donna Anna marries the elderly, conservative, and influential Commander, whom she does not love. Soon, Don Juan arrives in town and falls for her. A fierce battle begins between Don Juan and the Commander for Donna Anna’s heart, while she manipulates both men and plays with their feelings.
Why it’s worth seeing. The play is available to watch online. The videographer captured the mood and atmosphere of the performance with great accuracy, while the set designer enhanced the video with 3D figures. These grotesque, skeletal human forms, restored by the Commander, deepen the director’s vision and add a mystical quality to the production. On top of that, the actors deliver excellent performances, and the fluid movement and choreography mesmerize the audience.
- Watch clips from the play: 1, 2.
- Purchase the online performance with 3D figures.
Buy tickets: Kyiv.
4. Musical “Sing, Lola, Sing!”
Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre
About the play. A cabaret-style musical based on Heinrich Mann’s novel Professor Unrat, or The End of a Tyrant. One night, an aging and bitter Latin teacher — a misanthrope nicknamed Unrat — stumbles into a portside cabaret called The Blue Angel. There, he meets the club’s star singer, Lola, whom he sees as the embodiment of vice. Without realizing it, Unrat becomes a regular at the cabaret, abandoning his own strict moral code.
Why it’s worth seeing. At first glance, the musical may seem like a light comedy about a moralist falling in love, but underneath lies a dramatic story about a vulnerable, sensual young woman with a painful past. A live orchestra enhances the dramatic moments, while virtuosic choreography, vibrant costumes, and charismatic performances create the atmosphere of a true cabaret.
5. Social comedy “The Master”
Theatre on Podil
About the performance. This production is inspired by the play of the same name by Ivan Karpenko-Karyi. Director Ivan Uryvskyi sets the story in the 2000s and 2010s. At the center is Terentii Puzyr, a corrupt and influential businessman. The entire story takes place in his office, where he deceives people and makes deals that benefit only himself. His subordinates are just as cunning and do everything they can to avoid being fired by their “master” Puzyr. Surveillance cameras capture their corrupt actions — the whole country knows about Puzyr’s scams, yet no one acts to change the situation. Ultimately, it is Puzyr’s own greed that leads to his downfall.
Why it’s worth seeing. The play tackles the pressing issue of corruption in Ukrainian society. The Master is full of references to real corruption scandals since Ukraine’s independence and vivid symbolism. For example, the corrupt characters constantly touch each other with dirty hands, leaving stains on their clothes as a metaphor for trying to shift blame.
6. Ethno-horror “Buna”
Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre
About the play. An original production exploring the generational divide, written by playwright Vira Makoviy. Orysia lives in a village in Bukovyna with her Buna (grandmother in the local dialect). Her life feels like hell: she does all the household chores, but Buna is always dissatisfied, often beating or humiliating her. Things get worse when Orysia becomes pregnant by a neighbour. Buna insists they marry and live together in her house. Unable to endure this life any longer, Orysia plans to escape.
Why it’s worth seeing. To prepare for the play, the actors and director spent a month living in a Bukovynian village. They observed the locals, their traditions, behaviors, and the customs of the older generation — all of which they brought vividly to life in Buna. The performance is accompanied by live music featuring authentic Ukrainian songs the troupe heard during their stay in Bukovyna.
- Watch clips from the play: 1, 2.
- Watch the full recording of the performance.
Buy tickets: Kyiv.
7. “The Trial”
Theatre on Podil
About the play. A production based on Franz Kafka’s novel The Trial. One morning, unknown men break into Josef K.’s home and arrest him. He tries to defend himself and find out the reason for his arrest, but all efforts are in vain. After speaking with judges, Josef K. gets lost in a surreal maze of bureaucracy. His entire life becomes a desperate chase for information about a mysterious verdict that even the judges know nothing about. It is enough for them to believe that everyone could be guilty of something.
Why it’s worth seeing. Kafka’s story is layered, disjointed, and absurd — and the director skillfully brings all these elements to life in the production. The actors deliver brilliant performances, conveying the pressure of the court process and creating a haunting atmosphere of absurdity and loss of privacy.
8. Dance performance “The Wardrobe”
Kyiv National Academic Molodyi Theatre
About the performance. An original production by the talented dance troupe Freedom Ballet. Fourteen dancers experiment with movement, try on different personas, and use dance to tell stories. Their goal is to discover their true selves.
Why it’s worth seeing. The choreography is mesmerizing, the dancers' raw emotion and improvisation are deeply compelling, while the lighting and music perfectly complement the performance. This bold and emotionally charged performance captivates the audience from the very first moments. Premiered in February 2016, The Wardrobe continues to play to sold-out houses.
9. Drama “Stolen Happiness”
Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre / Golden Gate Academic Theatre, Kyiv
About the play. A staging of the play Stolen Happiness by Ivan Franko. At its heart is a love triangle: Hanna, her unloved husband Mykola, and her former lover Mykhailo, long presumed dead. One evening, Mykhailo returns from military service and asks to spend the night at the couple’s home. His unexpected arrival sets off a chain of events that will forever alter their lives. Passion and long-buried feelings reignite between Hanna and Mykhailo. She sees a chance to reclaim the happiness that war once stole from her.
Why it’s worth seeing. This is a landmark production at the Ivan Franko Theatre, where it has been performed for several decades. Stolen Happiness has been staged by various artistic directors in 1940, 1979, and 2020. Director Dmytro Bohomazov creatively incorporated archival audio recordings, blending elements from past versions with a fresh contemporary staging. Audiences will be impressed not only by the emotional performances of the actors but also by the visual elements: an unusual stage design featuring rooms connected in the shape of a cross, along with the work of the lighting and music team. The play is also available at the Golden Gate Theatre in a production by the acclaimed director Ivan Uryvskyi, who is known for his innovative use of lighting and music to elevate the actors’ performances.
- Watch clips from the performances: 1, 2 (Ivan Franko Theatre), 1, 2 (Golden Gate Theatre).
Buy tickets (Kyiv): Ivan Franko Theatre, Golden Gate Theatre.
10. Musical performances by Gerdan Theathre
About the performances. These are original productions by the folk ensemble Gerdan Theathre from Chernivtsi, which has been active for over 30 years. The troupe’s repertoire includes more than 300 traditional folk songs, adapted into a modern style. During the performances, the songs not only convey the main storyline but also bring to life cultural rituals and customs.
Why it’s worth seeing. The artists collect folk songs from all across Ukraine, adapt them to their own style, and weave them into a cohesive story for the stage. They often tour internationally. In 2024, Gerdan Theathre toured Canada and the USA, and in early 2025, they toured Europe.
- Watch clips from the performances: 1, 2.
- Follow announcements for upcoming shows.
