From Uzhhorod to Stratford - we welcomed a company of 15 actors bringing their moving production of Shakespeare's classic tragedy from a country steeped in conflict to our stage.

We welcomed the Theatre Studio of IDP’s Uzhik from Ukraine to perform their powerful production of Shakespeare’s King Lear at The Other Place for June 2024.

Playing to sell-out audiences of the Ukrainian refugee community on one day and the wider public on the next, the company of 15 performed the tragedy in Ukrainian without surtitles.

What resulted was a powerful exploration of love, loss and resilience in the face of conflict, and a reminder of how the works of Shakespeare can unite across cultures, languages and borders.

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The company travelled to Stratford-upon-Avon from the small town of Uzhhorod in Transcarpathia, an oblast (region) in western Ukraine, where many Ukrainians sought refuge following the Russian invasion of the country in early 2022.

Director Viacheslav Yehorov, who brought the production and the company of actors together, believes the play offers new meaning for those affected by the conflict.

VIACHESLAV YEHOROV, Director

In March 2022 (during the outbreak of war) I saw a lot of people who I felt were already actors in a real tragedy. Although we are saddened by the events of this real-life tragedy, we have to live in hope, be strong and love.

Actors play Goneril and Regan from Theatre Studio of IDPs Uzhik's performance of King Lear in 2024

The Theatre Studio of IDP’s Uzhik was formed by displaced individuals from various walks of life, coming together to find hope and meaning through theatre. They believe their production of King Lear has been a therapeutic journey for its participants and a symbol of resilience and unity in the face of adversity. 

The company is made up of teachers, students, labourers, salesmen, and doctors who moved to Uzhhorod during the war. This diverse group combines original members and newcomers who have joined since the conflict began, none of whom are professional actors, but all found solace and strength in the theatre

You can watch the original production being brought to life in the documentary King Lear: How We Looked For Love During The WarTheir visit to Stratford marked the first time their play had been performed outside of the Ukraine.

A WARM WELCOME

As part of their visit to Stratford-upon-Avon, members of the Theatre Studio of IDP’s Uzhik met with representatives from internationally displaced people groups across Warwickshire (including Welcome Here, Mosaic Church, Hand in Hand and Association of Ukrainians of Great Britain) who were given the opportunity to watch a performance of the production ahead of the public opening.  

We also took the company to Shakespeare’s Birthplace and New Place, and they were also invited to a performance of The Merry Wives of Windsor.

We also hosted a workshop for the company, where members selected items for our ongoing exhibition The Plays The Thing as part of its co-curation. This will also include the premiere of a documentary-style film all about the company, which was shot throughout their visit.

Daniel Evans and Tamara Harvey, Co-Artistic Directors

We were deeply honoured to welcome Theatre Studio of IDP’s Ukzhik and their production of King Lear to Stratford-upon-Avon. Their performances were a testament to the power of Shakespeare, and to how his work crosses borders, cultures and generations. We’re humbled that our Ukrainian friends have shared their vision of King Lear with us at this time.