Unearthing the captivating life of Oksana Koliada
Oksana Koliada, a theatre activist, is a Ukrainian icon who’s been working tirelessly to establish modern theatre in Ukraine. She’s the co-founder of the world-renowned theatre company called “DAKH,” which is known for its experimental theatre productions. Oksana’s life has been full of ups and downs – from being a persecuted artist to building a theatre empire. In this article, we will discuss different aspects of Oksana Koliada’s life that make her story captivating and inspiring.
Early life and education
Oksana Koliada was born in 1971 in a small town in Ukraine. In her childhood, she showed a keen interest in the performing arts. Oksana graduated from the Kyiv National University of Theatre, Film, and Television, where she honed her skills in theatre acting and directing. During her university years, she started to realize that the Ukrainian theatre scene was stagnating and needed some revolutionary ideas.
A struggle to establish modern theatre in Ukraine
After graduation, Oksana Koliada struggled to establish modern theatre in Ukraine. In the early 1990s, traditional plays dominated the Ukrainian theatre scene. However, Oksana was adamant about producing avant-garde, experimental theatre that could challenge the norms. She founded the DAKH Theatre Group in 1994, along with her partner Vlad Troitskyi, to achieve this goal.
DAKH Theatre Group
DAKH Theatre Group started as an underground theatre troupe that performed in abandoned buildings and warehouses. The group’s shows were not commercially successful, but they caught the attention of a young and curious audience. With time, DAKH Theatre Group became a symbol of Ukrainian modernity and avant-garde expressions. Currently, it has become a state-funded theatre, with a big ensemble and international acclaim.
Persecution and artistic censorship
Oksana Koliada’s revolutionary ideas didn’t sit well with the Soviet authorities, and her theatre shows were a target of artistic censorship. The authorities would often accuse her of promoting the Western ideology and would reprimand her group for provocative shows. Despite this unconventional behavior, Oksana never backed down from her doctrine of producing artistic, thought-provoking theatre.
DAKH Theatre and the global stage
DAKH Theatre Group’s avant-garde style attracted the attention of the world’s leading theatre curators, and soon the group was performing in prestigious theatres across the globe. They traveled to Europe and North America, playing to packed houses and receiving rave reviews. Oksana’s work and advocacy for modern Ukrainian theatre had finally paid off.
Recognition and awards
Oksana Koliada’s unconventional and daring approach to theatre has earned her numerous awards. In 2009, she won the Prize of Society “Kiev-Mohyla Academy” for “outstanding contribution to Ukrainian culture.” In 2013, Oksana was honored with the Ukraine “Person of the Year” award. These accolades are a testament to her tireless efforts to establish modern theatre in Ukraine.
DAKH Centre for Contemporary Art
In 2016, Oksana Koliada and Vlad Troitskyi established the DAKH Centre for Contemporary Art in Kyiv. The center’s primary goal is to promote contemporary art, theater, and music. They organize masterclasses, concerts, exhibitions, and events to support emerging artists and provide a platform for innovative ideas.
Personal life and hobbies
Oksana Koliada is a married mother of two children. She devotes her free time to her family and is an avid sports enthusiast. Oksana enjoys skiing, hiking, and biking. She also spends time reading and attending musical concerts and theatre productions.
Conclusion
Oksana Koliada’s life has proved to be an inspiration for future generations of artists and activists. She has single-handedly pushed Ukraine’s artistic boundaries and established a modern theatre that reflects the country’s ethos. Oksana’s unwavering determination to pursue avant-garde theatre and her advocacy for emerging artists deserve immense respect and admiration.
FAQs
Q1: What is DAKH Theatre Group known for?
A1: DAKH Theatre Group is known for producing avant-garde and experimental theatre productions.
Q2: Where did Oksana Koliada study?
A2: Oksana Koliada studied at the Kyiv National University of Theatre, Film, and Television.
Q3: Why did the Soviet authorities reprimand Oksana Koliada?
A3: The Soviet authorities reprimanded Oksana Koliada for promoting Western ideology and producing provocative theatre shows.
Q4: What awards has Oksana Koliada won?
A4: Oksana Koliada has won numerous awards, including the Ukraine “Person of the Year” award and the Prize of Society “Kiev-Mohyla Academy.”
Q5: What does the DAKH Centre for Contemporary Art do?
A5: The DAKH Centre for Contemporary Art promotes contemporary art, theatre, and music and supports emerging artists through masterclasses, concerts, exhibitions, and events.
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