On May 10, the space of the Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design was filled with a special energy – the grand opening of the All-Ukrainian Theater Festival "THROUGH THORNS TO THE STARS" (PER ASPERA AD ASTRA) took place. This large-scale event was made possible thanks to the initiative of the Department of Performing Arts and Culture, as well as the sincere support of the Faculty of Cultural and Creative Industries and the university administration.
The beginning unfolded in the Main Hall of KNUTD, where Professor of the Department of Performing Arts and Culture L.M. Somov addressed the audience with a parting word. His speech became a manifesto of resilience, because even in the most difficult times for Ukraine, creativity remains our weapon and light, and the main goal of the festival is to demonstrate to the audience the professional maturity and readiness of young actors to conquer large stages despite any challenges. With words of sincere support and faith in the younger generation spoke the acting rector of KNUTD, Professor Talyat Belyalov, the dean of the FKKI, Honored Worker of Culture of Ukraine Iryna Trusova, and the head of the Department of Performing Arts and Culture, Associate Professor Vira Burnazova. They wished the participants not just success, but a true artistic flight and the realization of the boldest ideas during the festival marathon.
The first creative chord was a screening in the "Ark" (Kovcheg) art space. Students of the workshop of the senior lecturer of the department V.A. Kino presented a literary and musical performance "I'm Just Waiting for Spring" based on the works of Mariia Pleva. It was a chamber, deeply personal story that, through nostalgia and poignant memories, returned the audience to the bright years of student life. The minimalism of the decorations and the painstaking design of the cozy space emphasized the power of the acting and the simple but so desired sincerity of emotions for the audience.
The evening concluded with a dynamic fragment of "Aeneid" by Ivan Kotlyarevsky performed by the same workshop under the direction of the Honored Artist of Ukraine, Associate Professor of the Department L.M. Ardelyan. The audience saw an impressive synthesis of classics and modernity – expressive plasticity, contrasting images with mythical elements, and the powerful energy of the actors created a real whirlwind of emotions on stage.
The level of preparation of higher education students and the professional skill of the teachers were evaluated by an honorary jury, which included leading figures of culture and arts: the chairman of the jury, the aforementioned Lev Somov; People's Artist of Ukraine, professor and head of the Department of Directing and Acting named after Larysa Khorolets of NAKKKiM Viktor Hyrych; Candidate of Art History, Associate Professor of the Department of Directing and Acting of KNUKiM and member of the NSTDU Ivan Soroka; Honored Artist of Ukraine, artist-vocalist of the Kyiv Academic Operetta Theater Olena Shyryaieva and theater and film actress Iryna Bilous. Experts highly noted the demonstrated talent of the youth, providing useful professional advice, and emphasized the titanic work of the organizers.
The first day proved that, as stated in the title of the festival, the path to the stars is difficult but beautiful. We wish the organizers and all subsequent participants inspiration and inexhaustible faith in their work!
20.05.2026
