The "Melpomene of Tavria" theater festival has kicked off in Kherson

The 28th "Melpomene of Tavria" International Theater Festival has opened in Kherson. Despite Russian shelling and daily threats, the festival is once again taking place in the Ukrainian city of Kherson.

This was reported by the Kherson City Military Administration.

The head of the Kherson Regional State Administration, Oleksandr Prokudin, and the head of the Kherson City Military Administration, Yaroslav Shanko, attended the festival’s opening.

“Melpomene of Tavria” is one of Kherson’s symbols. The Military Administration emphasized that the festival continued even during the Russian occupation.

As part of the opening, a theatrical exchange took place with the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater. A “Festival Watermelon Party” was also held.

The Kherson City Council noted that Russian aggression failed to strip the city of its culture, memory, and right to remain true to itself.

“Kherson has stood its ground. Kherson is alive. And its stage speaks once again,” the statement reads.

“Melpomene of Tavria” is an international theater festival that takes place annually in Kherson. It was founded in 1999. Over the past 26 years, 545 performances have been staged as part of the festival.

The goal of “Melpomene of Tavria” is to promote the art of theater, facilitate the exchange of experiences among creative groups, and introduce audiences to the most compelling performances from theaters across Ukraine and other countries.

Until 2022, the festival featured a competitive showcase of theatrical premieres. An expert panel selected the best actors and recognized outstanding set design, music, and direction. Winners were awarded diplomas.

Traditional elements of the festival also included a street parade, a theatrical carnival, gala concerts marking the festival’s opening and closing, and other events.

Since 2022, “Melpomene of Tavria” has been held in various formats.

Андрій Колісніченко