A Fresh Take on Classic Drama: Premiere in Odesa
The Odesa Academic Musical and Dramatic Theater named after Vasylko captivated audiences with its new show "Hello, Monster!", directed by Kyiv's Slava Zhila. This romantic comedy with mystical elements is based on the Italian play "The Blue Monster" by Carlo Gozzi. This production marks the first time the play has been translated into Ukrainian.
The premiere presented a romantic-mystical comedy in two acts, with the translation done by Viktor Shylo, offering Ukrainian viewers a chance to enjoy a classic of world drama.
Slava Zhila emphasized that "The Blue Monster" did not have a Ukrainian translation before, and his team embraced this challenge with enthusiasm. "We aimed to bring something Italian to Odesa, and I believe we succeeded in that," the director noted.
The storyline unfolds in Nanjing, where love and intrigue intertwine in a complex world. The monarch is oblivious to his wife's betrayals, and the town suffers from monstrous creatures. The two lovers, a foreign princess and a missing heir to the throne, must overcome obstacles to save the kingdom.
The director highlights themes of power and human vice, as well as how often true love is confused with other feelings. The show promises to be both comedic and serious, incorporating elements of satire and farce.
