Ukrainian theaters respond to Woody Allen’s participation in Moscow Film Week: cancellations and political statements
In recent days, Ukrainian theater communities have actively expressed their stance regarding the involvement of renowned American filmmaker Woody Allen in the Moscow International Film Week.
As a result of various actions and statements, several leading Ukrainian theaters have decided to temporarily cancel or suspend performances based on Allen’s scripts, condemning his participation in the Russian event and showing solidarity with Ukrainian actors and filmmakers who have suffered due to Russian aggression.
Notably, the National Theater named after Maria Zankovetska in Lviv announced the suspension of their musical “Bullets Over Broadway,” which was created based on the screenplay of Allen’s film of the same name.
The Oleg Kobylianska Music and Drama Theater in Chernivtsi canceled their production of “Ex-comedy of a Summer Night, or How Foolish the Whole Human Race Is.” In Kyiv, the Young Theater temporarily halted performances of “Riverside Drive,” a play by Allen.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry officially condemned Allen’s participation in the Moscow event, emphasizing that culture should not be used as a cover for crimes.
Officials pointed out that Allen’s presence at the film forum posed challenges to Ukrainian society, given the ongoing war and the suffering of Ukrainian artists and citizens.
On August 24, Allen participated in a virtual conference during the Moscow Film Week, discussing the future of cinema and artificial intelligence.
He expressed admiration for Russian cinema but also remarked that Russian President Vladimir Putin is wrong, adding that ending cultural conversations is not a solution.
This stance has sparked further outrage among Ukrainians, who see it as offensive and unacceptable amid the ongoing conflict, which has caused the loss and injury of many Ukrainian actors and filmmakers due to Russian military actions.