The Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theatre is one of the leading Ukrainian theaters and a symbol of the national theatrical school. It was founded in 1920 in Vinnytsia by young artists led by Hnat Yura, who united around the idea of creating a modern Ukrainian theater. The first production was Sin (The Sin) by Volodymyr Vynnychenko, and from its earliest seasons the theater established itself as bold, intellectual, and open to world classics.
In 1926, the theater moved to Kyiv and settled in the building of the former Solovtsov Theatre, where it continues to operate today. Throughout the 20th century, the Franko Theatre created dozens of landmark productions, experienced periods of creative freedom and ideological pressure, yet maintained a high artistic standard. On this stage worked and created Ambrosii Buchma, Nataliia Uzhvii, Mykola Yakovchenko, and later Bohdan Stupka, who led the theater in the early 21st century.
Today, the Franko Theatre is a living and dynamic institution that combines classical drama with contemporary directing approaches. It features both a main stage and a камерна stage, hosts international festivals, and its productions actively tour abroad. The theater remains a space for dialogue with society and an important part of Ukraine’s cultural identity.