Ukraine’s pioneering theatre on the left bank of the Dnipro has spent four decades staging classical drama, bold contemporary work, and experimental performance.
At a glance
The Left Bank Theatre is Kyiv’s first theatre to operate on the left bank of the Dnipro River. Since its founding in 1978, it has become a significant venue for Ukrainian theatre, touring internationally and maintaining a repertoire of over 50 works spanning classical drama, physical theatre, and modern commedia dell’arte.
History
The theatre’s first troupe gathering took place on 7 September 1978, followed by its inaugural premiere—R. Fedyenov’s play “The Highest Point – Love”—on 21 April 1979. In May 1982, the city provided the company and director Eduard Mytnyckyi with a building that had previously housed the Cosmos Cinema. Within it, the theatre created “Theatre in the Lobby,” Ukraine’s first small experimental stage.
For its first 15 years, the company focused on contemporary and socially urgent drama. From the 1990s onward, it shifted toward classical repertoire. In 1992, a Vladimir Vinnichenko play became the theatre’s first Ukrainian-language performance. Since January 2019, directors Stas Zhyrkov and Tamara Trunova have led a renovation process, balancing canonical works with original, socially engaged pieces.
What you see
The theatre occupies a former cinema building. Its two-stage configuration allows both full-scale productions and intimate experimental work in the small “Theatre in the Lobby,” which pioneered this format in Ukraine.
Cultural significance
The Left Bank Theatre stands as a landmark of Ukrainian theatrical innovation. It was the first permanent theatre to establish itself on the left bank of the Dnipro and created the nation’s first small theatre venue. Over four decades, it has nurtured bold contemporary work while maintaining classical standards, contributing substantially to Kyiv’s cultural life and earning recognition as one of Ukraine’s leading theatres.
Key facts
- Country: Ukraine
- City: Kyiv
- Founded: 7 September 1978
- Current directors: Stas Zhyrkov and Tamara Trunova (since January 2019)
- Coordinates: 50.45°N, 30.59°E
- Repertoire: Over 50 performances
Practical information & getting there
The theatre is located on the left bank of the Dnipro River in central Kyiv. For current programme details, venue access, and ticketing information, you should consult the theatre’s official channels or contact the venue directly.
Sources & resources
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