ProEnglish Theatre

Podcast: All The Way From Kyiv

When we were asked if we would like to record a podcast with a theatre company based in Kyiv, Ukraine, well, you don’t say no to that do you! So we tasked our reviewer Dave Bushe with the task of making it happen. And that was how, on Boxing Day morning, he found himself on Zoom with ProEnglish Theatre, direct from their theatre which they have now rebranded as the Art Shelter. It is a theatre turned into a bomb shelter that houses local elderly people, parents with kids and 8 cats. It really is quite remarkable that they could find the time to chat.

We talk about how the theatre is still going, what it was like hosting a Christmas party, and how they found themselves working with Finborough Theatre to put on shows both in London and then Kyiv itself. 

Considering the situation the recording went remarkably well, except for one drop out in the middle where we thought we’d lost them for good (thankfully it was just an internet glitch) and then as you will hear, the ending drops out suddenly just as we are saying our farewells. 

It was an honour to be able to show our support to such an incredible theatre, and we believe makes for an inspirational listen.

DAN Vynohradov

Dan graduated from Kyiv University of Culture, he is a theatre and film actor. While studying at the university, Dan acted in TV series and commercials. Since January 2022, acts at ProEnglish Theatre. Dan is a brave and ambitious actor, never afraid of tough roles. Played a gay soldier in “Love at times” and several various characters in “War. Texts. Ukraine.” project – stage readings of modern Ukrainian plays in English. His biggest part so far is HE, main character from “Naïve Experiments” directed by Alex Borovenskiy. Charismatic and vulnerable HE wins the hearts of the audience with the first appearance on stage.