Lviv Stage and Shadows of Bureaucratic Darkness: A New Life for Theatre and Literary Parallels
In the city of Lviv, a major cultural event is taking place, capturing the attention of both theatre enthusiasts and fans of contemporary Ukrainian literature.
Following the release of Illarion Pavlyuk’s bestseller «I See You Interested in Darkness», the first theatrical performance of this extensive work was held in Lviv, attracting over 150 thousand copies in print and impressing with its depth and complex characters.
Although initial reactions linked the event to its provocative title and themes, critics point out that the performance is more than just a play — it is a reflection of modern interpretations of complex stories and psychological states.
The production masterfully combines real locations with a mystical world created by scenographers, using surreal details that add mystery and blur the lines between reality and imagination.
The enthusiasm of the audience, especially among youth, is notable — queues for premiere performances resemble a true protest of hope and faith in the future.
The scenes involving live props evoke lively debate about the boundaries of theatrical daring.
Furthermore, the collaboration between director Hollenk and scenographer Bilozub gave birth to a unique visual concept, blending stylish design with symbolic depth that reveals the core idea of the performance — a struggle with internal and external darkness of modern humanity.
Audience members, from young to seasoned, remain deeply moved and are eager to discuss and re-interpret what they saw long after the curtain falls.