In Drohobych, to mark the 170th anniversary of Ivan Franko’s birth, a large-scale theatrical and visual production entitled “The Unknown Franko” was presented. The premiere of the original production took place on 27 August on the stage of the People’s House and became one of the city’s key artistic events of the year.
The project was created on the basis of the Merited Academic Prykarpattia Song and Dance Ensemble of Ukraine “Verkhovyna”. The author of the idea and artistic director was the ensemble’s director Serhii Dmytriiev. The chief director was People’s Artist of Ukraine Oleh Mosiichuk, with scenography designed by artist Yaroslav Danyliv. The role of Ivan Franko was performed by Ivan Sekh.
The creators of the production deliberately moved away from the familiar textbook image of the writer. On stage, Franko appears as a living person – with personal anxieties, doubts, love, pain, losses and inner struggle. Through music, dramatic text, movement, choral singing and folk choreography, the audience were shown the emotions and life trials that lay behind his ideas, civic stance and work.
A distinctive feature of the production was the combination of different artistic genres into a single stage action. The entire creative company of “Verkhovyna” took part in the performance together with representatives of the theatrical arts, which made it possible to create on stage a many-voiced image of Franko as a figure important not only for the past, but also for contemporary Ukraine.
The premiere took place as part of the events marking the 170th anniversary of Ivan Franko’s birth and alongside the ceremony for the presentation of the International Prize bearing his name. The hall brought together representatives of the authorities, culture, the public and numerous guests. The auditorium was full, and after the performance the artists received prolonged applause.
After the performance, the head of the Lviv Regional Military Administration Maksym Kozytskyi presented Serhii Dmytriiev with a letter of appreciation for his high professionalism, the promotion of vocal and choreographic art and on the occasion of his birthday. Drohobych Mayor Taras Kuchma also addressed the participants in the project.
“Drohobych is still rich in talent – they are all here on this stage right now. An incredible, colossal and dedicated effort by our artists. I thank each of you for this wonderful performance, which gave us an enormous range of emotions throughout the evening… May ‘Verkhovyna’ continue to sound powerful, may Ukrainian culture live, develop and be heard across the whole world,” said Taras Kuchma.
According to the creators’ concept, “The Unknown Franko” not only tells the story of the life of the outstanding writer, but also draws parallels between his era and the present day. Through the story of one person, the audience once again experience the themes of the pain of loss, the power of love, the loneliness of struggle, responsibility for the country and the striving for freedom, which remain relevant for Ukrainians today.
The premiere of “The Unknown Franko” in Drohobych became an event that made it possible to feel the figure of the Kameniar in a new way – as a person whose experiences and love for Ukraine still resonate with today’s audience.