State of the World from NPR

A Story About Witches in Ukraine

Jul 22, 2024
A play about witches in Ukraine's capital Kyiv is selling out, resonating with audience members. The play's themes of destiny, responsibility, and magic are explored, along with its significance in celebrating Ukrainian culture amidst war times.
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ANECDOTE

Viral Witch Video

  • A woman in Konotop, Ukraine, confronted a Russian soldier on a tank, calling the city full of witches.
  • The video went viral, highlighting the cultural significance of witches in Ukraine.
ANECDOTE

The Witch of Konotop Play

  • Kristina Fedorok stars in "The Witch of Konotop," a play based on an 1833 Ukrainian satire.
  • The play's popularity is partly due to the cultural resonance of witches in Ukraine.
ANECDOTE

Play's Plot

  • The play follows Zabrijocha, who refuses military orders to address a witch problem in Konotop.
  • The plot involves spells, weddings, a witch hunt, and the looming threat of Russia.
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