On May 15, 2026, the V All-Ukrainian Theater Festival "THROUGH THORNS TO THE STARS" (PER ASPERA AD ASTRA) came to its conclusion. The final chord of the event became a true test of endurance and dedication to art: due to an air raid siren, the ceremonial part was moved from the Main Hall of KNUTD to the intimate artistic space "Ark". However, the change of location did not hinder the celebration; instead, it added a special sense of sincerity and unity. Despite the challenging conditions, the atmosphere in the "Ark" was filled with excitement, as five days of creative searches and experiments proved that the young Ukrainian stage has a powerful voice that cannot be silenced by any sirens.
The participants were addressed with heartfelt congratulations and motivating words by the Acting Rector of KNUTD, Professor Taliat Bielialov, the Dean of the FCCI Iryna Trusova, and the Head of the Department of Performing Arts and Culture Vira Burnazova. They wished the young artists inexhaustible inspiration and new professional heights, emphasizing the importance of creativity even in the most difficult times. The main highlight of the event was the announcement of the festival winner, who was a 3rd-year student from the workshop of L.M. Somov – Oleksii Vakhliovskyi, who received a diploma in the "Best Actor of the Festival" category. In addition to the honorary title, Oleksii received a cash prize of 15,000 UAH for the further development of his creative potential.
High recognition was also achieved by the workshop of senior lecturer V.A. Kino, which won victories in several categories at once. In particular, the play "First Date Coffee" based on the play by M. Smilianets became a laureate in the "Best Embodiment of Modern Drama" category, and the literary and musical performance "I Am Just Waiting for Spring" based on the works of Maria Plevy also brought the workshop a laureate title. Other students of Prof. L.M. Somov's workshop became true discoveries: Kassiopeia Skotnykova won the "Vocal Competition," Anastasiia Lemeshko became a laureate of the "Speech Competition," and the workshop's creative works were recognized for the "Best Plastic Solution" (excerpt "A Midsummer Night's Dream") and as the "Best Excerpt" (excerpts "Sin" and "The Lie").
Special attention was drawn to the guests of the festival from KNUTKIT: in the "Best Partner Duo" category, the laureate diploma was won by Iolanta Bohdiun and Yan Korniev (workshop of S.H. Kalantai and I.A. Kapinos) for an excerpt from the play "The Beauty Queen". A personal award was received by Sofiia Slavinska, a 4th-year student of V.A. Kino's creative workshop, who was awarded the "Audience Choice Award" laureate diploma, having captivated the audience with her mastery in several presented works.
Summing up the results, the organizing committee and the chairman of the jury, Lev Somov, emphasized that this year's forum became a true symbol of resilience. Every award presented within the walls of the "Ark" was not only a recognition of talent but also a testament to the professional maturity of young actors capable of creating under any circumstances. The V All-Ukrainian Festival "THROUGH THORNS TO THE STARS" is officially closed – the path through the thorns was difficult, but the radiance of the stars that ignited on the KNUTD stage will shine for a long time. We wish all participants inspiration and endless faith in their craft!
20.05.2026
