Ukrainian drama and theatrical context after the Revolution of Dignity: where are we moving and what do we tolerate?

Abstract

The article considers the vector of development of Ukrainian drama and theater after the Revolution of Dignity (2014-2021). Attention is focused on the fact that the Maidan has introduced new meanings into Ukrainian drama, which revolve around the design of a new post-totalitarian / post-colonial Ukrainian identity, which is manifested in the activation and new formats of design and fixation of modern dramaturgical process. with plays, a conceptually new stage of compiling dramatic anthologies – the “collection stage”, which is implemented by the Department of Dramatic Projects of  Les Kurbas National Center for Theater Arts). Significant differences between the balanced “academic” version of modern dramatic dynamics, which takes into account aesthetic, ethical and civic criteria, and “non-academic”, based on non-selection and free access, a picture in which Russian language, culture, texts and texts are excessively tolerated meanings that in the conditions of the Russian hybrid war with Ukraine is a rudimentary colonial practice of culture. If we add to this the Russian / Russian-language repertoire of most Ukrainian theaters, both state and non-state, the participation of Ukrainian playwrights and theatrical top managers in the cultural actions of the aggressor country, the critical majority of Ukrainian theaters do not comply with the Law of Ukraine and the attempts of individual playwrights / actors / directors / theaters to defiantly broadcast frankly Russian meanings to the public, the overall picture is rather sad. On the other hand, there are many eloquent facts that demonstrate the attempts of the Ukrainian theater to come out of the colonial vices and acquire a new identity, and such attempts must be supported in every way. In general, the analysis presented in the article is the basis for serious professional considerations about the incompatibility of true tolerance with colonial narratives and cultural practices.