Theatrical sensation "Konotop Witch" from Kyiv's Franko Theater will be in Israel for only 2 days in the fall of 2025! Haifa - October 19, Tel Aviv - October 20 (video)

Theatrical sensation “The Konotop Witch” from the Kyiv Academic Drama Theater named after Ivan Franko is coming to Israel for just two evenings:

October 19, 2025, Haifa, Auditorium, 20:00
October 20, 2025, Tel Aviv, Israeli Opera, 20:00
Literary source and historical context
“The Konotop Witch” is a satirical-fantastical novella by Ukrainian writer Hryhoriy Kvitka-Osnovyanenko, written in 1833 and published in 1837, portraying the life of the Cossack elite of Konotop. The author mocks superstitions, abuses of power, and shows how fear of an “other power” leads to tragedy.
This unique production by Ivan Urivskyi, based on Kvitka-Osnovyanenko’s novella, blends Ukrainian folklore, a mystical atmosphere, and contemporary themes. It challenges stereotypes by exploring female strength, the struggle of Light versus Darkness, and faith in humanity. Minimalist staging, powerful performances, and a mystical soundscape create full immersion.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the year’s main theatrical event!
Production and creative concept
- Director: Ivan Urivskyi, reimagining Kvitka-Osnovyanenko’s satire through themes of power, integrity, and gender equality.
- Scenography: Tetyana Ovsiichuk (minimalist “stones” and house silhouettes).
- Music: Susanna Karpenko (folk melodies in an original interpretation).
- Movement/Choreography: Olga Semyoshkina (archetypal conflict of Light and Darkness).
“For me, the central theme is the choice between Light and Darkness,” — Ivan Urivskyi.
Cast
Nazar Zadniprovskyi and Oleksandr Yarema (Zabrokha); Mykhailo Kukuyuk and Andriy Saminin (Pistryak);
Khrystyna Korchynska and Olena Khokhlatkina (Zubycha); Mykhailo Matiukhin, Viacheslav Khostikoiev and Mykhailo Dadalev (Khaliavskyi);
Dana Kuz, Oksana Zhdanova and Mariia Rudynska (Olena); Kateryna Artemenko and Oksana Sydorenko (Chyriachka);
Anna Rudenko and Malvina Khachatryan (Riabokliachka); Maryna Dadaleva and Anastasiia Rula (Psiuchykha).
Practical information
Tickets are already on sale at https://fca.ua/konotopska-vidma-israel/
Online sales close 24 hours before each performance.
Please arrive 30 minutes before start; dress code — Casual Chic.
Photography without flash is permitted.
Technical details and achievements
Number of acts: 1
Running time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Premiere: April 28, 2023, Ivan Franko Theater, Kyiv
Over 50 performances across Europe
More than 10,000 viewers over two seasons
Full plot by Hryhoriy Kvitka-Osnovyanenko
The story opens with Cossack Captain Mykyta Ulasyovych Zabrokha sitting “sad and gloomy”. The day before, he had gone to propose to the diligent, honest, and beautiful Olena, an orphan with only a brother. Zabrokha asked her brother if he would give his sister’s hand in marriage, but was rejected—he received a “pumpkin”, meaning refusal.
While Zabrokha broods at home, the hundred’s clerk Prokop Hyhorovych Pistryak arrives with a report on the number of Cossacks. The count had been marked by notches on a long stick, but the clerk broke it trying to bring it indoors and miscounted. When the error was discovered, Zabrokha mocked him before the hundred, deeply offending Pistryak. A new order arrived from Chernihiv: the hundred must march. But Pistryak dissuaded Zabrokha and incited him to a “hunt for witches” to end the drought. A letter was sent declaring the hundred unable to depart because they must punish witches.
The next day, the whole town gathered at the pond. The clerk drove out several women suspected of witchcraft. The test: if a woman drowned, she was innocent; if she floated, she was a witch. Many perished before being rescued. Only Yavdokha Zubycha floated calmly, and enraged men beat her—until she cursed them with mara, and they beat a log in maddened frenzy. When the truth came out, Yavdokha exacted full revenge on her tormentors.
Angered at Zabrokha and Pistryak, Yavdokha invited each to her with gifts and pleas for aid. She bewitched Olena to fall for Zabrokha, and Olena wished to marry him. The once–Olena’s beau, Demian Khaliavskyi, sat sad, as his beloved married the captain. Yavdokha then visited him and offered magic assistance.
For vengeance, she twisted their fates: Zabrokha was forced to wed ugly Soloha, and Olena married Khaliavskyi. Zabrokha was deposed for refusing the Chernihiv march, and Pistryak, who coveted his post, was also dismissed. Demian Khaliavskyi became the new captain.
In conclusion, the narrator, quoting the late Panas Mesiura, reports Khaliavskyi’s brief tenure—he “quickly connived something” before his superiors—and his marriage proved unhappy, as it was born of enchantment. Zabrokha and Pistryak received their just punishment for drowning innocent women, and Yavdokha, having spent her strength on vengeance, soon died.

Significance for Israeli audiences

This production strengthens cultural ties between Ukraine and Israel by showing how folk legends and themes of female empowerment, power, and responsibility resonate with contemporary issues. Audiences will see how the tale of the Konotop “witches” reflects global questions of justice and humanity.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the main theatrical event of Fall 2025 with NAnews – Israel News!
Tickets are already on sale at https://fca.ua/konotopska-vidma-israel/ https://nikk.agency/en/konotop-witch/