Start learning Ukrainian, improve your language skills and discover Ukrainian culture with Anna Ohoiko and the weekly Ukrainian Lessons Podcast episodes.
Start learning Ukrainian, improve your language skills and discover Ukrainian culture with Anna Ohoiko and the weekly Ukrainian Lessons Podcast episodes.
Home > 7 Iconic Ukrainian Plays to Expand Your Language Skills and Cultural Horizons
7 Iconic Ukrainian Plays to Expand Your Language Skills and Cultural Horizons
Explore 7 iconic Ukrainian plays — classic and modern works, with free texts to boost your language skills and discover the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine.
Milana Sribniak
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Did you know that in recent years, it has become nearly impossible to get tickets to the most popular Ukrainian plays at major theaters? With powerful stories, top-notch productions, and themes that truly resonate, modern Ukrainian drama is experiencing a real cultural boom — and it is not just for theater lovers.
Dive into the world of Ukrainian drama with our specially curated collection! This article showcases iconic Ukrainian plays spanning from the 19th to the 21st century, including gems like “НАТАЛКА ПОЛТАВКА” and “МАРТИН БОРУЛЯ.”
Each play is not just a lesson in language but a window into Ukrainian life, offering insights into its rich culture and history.
We have lined up free texts for each play, making it easy to immerse yourself. Whether you are looking to polish your Ukrainian language skills or are just curious about Ukrainian theater, these plays will keep you engaged and entertained.
Наталка Полтавка (Іван Котляревський)
“НАТАЛКА ПОЛТАВКА” (“Natalka Poltavka”), written by Ivan Kotliarevskyi in 1819, marks a key turning point in Ukrainian literature. This play, along with his poem “ЕНЕЇДА” (“Eneida”), is seen as one of the earliest examples of Ukrainian literature using the everyday language of the people. It paints a rich picture of life in early 19th-century Ukraine, filled with emotion, humor, and the everyday challenges its characters were facing.
A picture of Natalka Poltavka in the Kharkiv collection “Morning Star” (1834): Credit
The story follows Natalka as she waits for her fiancé, who’s off in Russia trying to earn a living. She deals with her strict mother and an eager local elder, highlighting themes of love, loyalty, and rural life.
The play has also been adapted into the opera by Mykola Lysenko, underlining its lasting appeal and importance. In the 20th century, НАТАЛКА ПОЛТАВКА was also brought to the screen — once in the United States and twice in Ukraine — each film adaptation offering its own take on this beloved classic and further cementing its place in Ukrainian cultural history.
As a play written over two centuries ago, some of the expressions might be outdated or less common in modern Ukrainian conversation. It is something to keep in mind as you explore its rich dialogue as a learner.
“ЗА ДВОМА ЗАЙЦЯМИ” (“Chasing Two Hares“) is a vibrant comedic play written by Mykhailo Starytskyi in 1883, which has since become a staple in Ukrainian theater. The play is celebrated for its colorful humor, dynamic plot, and its reflection of social issues, making it a beloved classic in Ukrainian culture.
Monument to the characters of M. Starytskyi’s play “Chasing Two Hares”, Kyiv: Credit
The plot follows a barber СВИРИД ГОЛОХВОСТИЙ (Svyryd Holokhvostyi) who attempts to improve his financial status by courting a wealthy merchant’s daughter while also going after a beautiful but poor girl. This play humorously critiques the bourgeoisie lifestyle with depth and wit.
The play was adapted into a very popular film in 1961, making it a cultural staple watched by generations of Ukrainians.
If you want to master the Ukrainian language or just learn more about Ukraine’s culture, watch at least one or many of the films from this list of Ukrainian movies!
“МАРТИН БОРУЛЯ” (“Martyn Borulia”), written by Ivan Karpenko-Karyi in 1886, is a classic Ukrainian comedy that pokes fun at the social climbing antics of a newly rich peasant. Martyn Borulia, desperate to be seen as a noble, throws himself and his family into a series of humorous yet misguided attempts to buy his way into the aristocracy.
A scene from the play Martyn Borulia by Ivan Karpenko-Karyi. Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater, Kyiv. September 20, 2024: Сredit
Learn about the 19th-century history of Ukraine and improve your Ukrainian vocabulary and listening skills in the history lesson from the Ukrainian Lessons Podcast, perfect for intermediate learners!
The play cleverly highlights the absurd lengths to which Martyn goes, from suing rivals to forcing his family into noble customs they barely understand.
It is a laugh-out-loud journey through Martyn’s elaborate and often failed schemes to secure a noble title, making sharp observations about class and identity along the way.
Despite its age, “Martyn Borulia” remains a favorite on Ukrainian stages for its lively characters and sharp, enduring humor about the human desire to rise above one’s station.
“УКРАДЕНЕ ЩАСТЯ” (“Stolen Happiness“) is a gripping drama by Ivan Franko that hits right at the heart of love and moral conflict.
Set in a Ukrainian village around the 1870s, the play tells the story of АННА (Anna), who is caught between her older husband, МИКОЛА (Mykola), and her former flame, МИХАЙЛО (Mykhailo). The latter is not just any old suitor; he returns from the army determined to win Anna back, shaking up their lives with his new role as a gendarme.
A scene from the play Stolen Happiness (1976). Franko’s house:Credit
The play dives deep into the emotions and tough choices its characters face, wrapped up in the tensions of their small community. It is an exploration of whether true happiness can ever be taken at the expense of others without damaging oneself in the process.
Franko’s work is celebrated for its rich, layered character portrayals and the ethical questions it poses about love, loyalty, and societal pressures.
In this episode in slow and simple Ukrainian, you will learn about Ukrainian genius – Іван Франко, a writer and intellectual who has a whole city named after him.
“ЛІСОВА ПІСНЯ” (“The Forest Song“) by Lesia Ukrainka is a captivating mix of drama and fairy tale that dives deep into the relationship between humans and nature. Written in 1911, this play is a standout for its lyrical beauty and the way it weaves together Ukrainian folklore with universal themes.
At the heart of the story is МАВКА (Mavka), a forest spirit, who falls deeply in love with ЛУКАШ (Lukash), a local villager. Their love is magical and intense, showing how deeply humans can connect with nature. But it’s not just a love story; it’s also about the choices we make. Lukash faces a tug-of-war between his love for Mavka and the pressures of society, leading to dramatic moments.
Ukrainian-language poster for the movie “Forest Song. Mavka” (1981) by artist T. I. Liashchuk: Credit
ЛІС (forest)in the play is almost like another character — alive and pulsing with energy, it reflects the play’s strong message that we are part of nature and the importance of staying true to oneself. Lukash’s struggle and his choices show the consequences of betraying one’s true nature.
In Ukrainian Lessons Podcast Episode 223, explore the essence of Ukrainian resilience (незламність) through one of the most celebrated Ukrainian poems — “Contra spem spero!” by Lesia Ukrainka.
It remains a beloved piece in Ukrainian literature, appreciated for its depth that resonates with audiences today.
“МИНА МАЗАЙЛО” (“Myna Mazailo”) is a sharp and funny play by Mykola Kulish that delves into the social issues of 1920s Ukraine, especially focusing on identity and language.
The main character, Myna Mazailo, goes to comedic lengths to Russify his surname, hoping it’ll boost his social status. Through a cast of quirky characters, the play explores the tension between embracing one’s heritage and the pressure to conform to different cultural and social norms.
Tragically, Mykola Kulish was executed in 1937 during Stalin’s purges, a period known as РОЗСТРІЛЯНЕ ВІДРОДЖЕННЯ (Executed Renaissance), when many Ukrainian intellectuals and artists were repressed and killed, cutting short the lives and careers of a generation of talent.
The comedy remains relevant today as it touches on the universal themes of national identity and the value of one’s roots in a changing world. It is a lively and thought-provoking piece that continues to resonate with audiences, reminding us of the importance of staying true to who we are.
“ХЛІБНЕ ПЕРЕМИР’Я” (“Bread Ceasefire“) is a powerful and emotional play by Serhii Zhadan, one of the most important voices in modern Ukrainian literature.
Zhadan is known for his raw, honest writing that speaks directly to today’s Ukraine — its struggles, resilience, and soul. His work spans poetry, novels, music, and theater, and he is widely recognized not just as a writer but as a cultural icon.
This play takes us to Eastern Ukraine in the summer of 2014, during the early days of the war. Two brothers, ТОЛІК (Tolik) and АНТОН (Anton), return to their family home to bury their mother. But nothing is simple — there is tension between them, between neighbors, and in the air.
The war has changed everything, and everyone is trying to figure out who to trust and what to believe. It is a story about grief, broken ties, and the fragile hope of finding peace — if only for a moment.
It is a great example of how modern Ukrainian theater can reflect painful truths. For language learners, the play offers real, emotional dialogue and a chance to engage with Ukrainian as it’s spoken in today’s world — rough, poetic, and full of meaning.
Now you’re one step closer to embracing the heart of Ukrainian culture and heritage! Whether you’re looking to polish your language skills or simply fall in love with Ukrainian storytelling, these plays provide a captivating blend of history, art, and emotion — one page (or performance) at a time.
If you have a chance to visit Ukraine, don’t miss the opportunity to experience a live performance at renowned venues like the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater in Kyiv, Maria Zankovetska National Drama Theater, Chernivtsi Music and Drama Theater, and others.
Ready to dive deeper into Ukrainian arts? Check out our special series of Ukrainian Lessons Podcast episodes (Season 6, Episodes 221–230), where host Anna delves into ten of the most significant poems in Ukrainian culture. These episodes are highly rated and loved by listeners — make sure to check them out!
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