President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a decree awarding Ivan Uryvskyi and other cultural figures
The director of the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater, Ivan Uryvskyi, has been awarded the honorary title of “People’s Artist of Ukraine.” The corresponding decree was signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
This was reported by RBK-Ukraine, citing presidential decree No. 276/2026.
Read also: Uryvskyi named the classics he dreams of modernizing after the resounding success of “The Konotop Witch”
According to the text of the document, the honorary title was awarded for “significant personal contribution to the development of national culture and theatrical art, substantial creative achievements, and high professional mastery.”
The awards are timed to coincide with International Theatre Day. In addition to Ivan Uryvskyi, other actors, directors, and leaders of Ukrainian theaters received orders and honorary titles.
Screenshot from the presidential decree of Ukraine No. 276/2026
What is known about Ivan Uryvskyi
Ivan Uryvskyi was born on March 9, 1990, in Kryvyi Rih. He is a graduate of the Kyiv National University of Culture and Arts (Nina Husakova’s workshop). Uryvskyi has been working at the Ivan Franko National Theater since 2020.
Throughout his career, he has directed over 20 productions on the stages of Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa, as well as abroad in the Czech Republic and Lithuania.
Professional achievements and awards:
- Honored Artist of Ukraine (2020).
- Laureate of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize for the play “The Konotop Witch” (2024).
- Laureate of the Les Kurbas Prize (2019, play “Crossroads”).
- Recipient of the “Kyiv Pectoral” award in the categories for Best Director and Best Chamber Performance (play “Lymeryvna”).
- Laureate of the “Mirror of the Stage” award for Best Play by Young Directors (2017, “Stolen Happiness”).
- Recipient of the Day Crown for modern interpretation and rethinking of Ukrainian and Western European classics (2019).
Earlier, RBK-Ukraine reported that The New York Times dedicated an article to the Ukrainian play “The Konotop Witch,” which has become a cultural phenomenon and is drawing full houses. The publication emphasizes that the plot of the play resonates with the modern war and the sentiments of Ukrainians, helping audiences reflect on reality through art.
It is worth noting that following its success in Ukraine, the theater has toured Europe with the production.
