5 best theaters of Ukraine

If you think theater is stiff, boring, and “just not your thing,” chances are you simply haven’t been to the right one yet. Ukraine is home to stages that will give you chills—even if you just walked in “to check it out.” The Getmancar blog team picked out a few incredible spots that won’t let you leave unmoved. Each one will surprise you in its own way.

National Opera of Ukraine (Kyiv)

One of the oldest theaters in the country, it’s been open since 1901. This building has seen a lot: in 1911, Prime Minister Stolypin was assassinated here during a performance. In 1988, Margaret Thatcher visited, and in the 2000s, Luciano Pavarotti sang on its stage.

Step inside and you’ll find a real palace—gilded stucco, massive mirrors, and royal chandeliers. Even if opera isn’t really your thing, the atmosphere alone is worth it. And fun fact: tickets are often cheaper than dinner at a decent restaurant. The lineup ranges from Swan Lake to Carmen, with everything from timeless classics to modern productions. Over 1,500 people work here—it’s like a little city in itself.

Fact: The National Opera is one of the few Eastern European theaters whose ballet troupe has toured Japan, Canada, and South Korea.

"Krik" Theater by Mykhailo Melnyk (Dnipro)

This one’s totally unique—it’s a one-man theater. Mykhailo Melnyk doesn’t just act—he’s been living and breathing this project for over 30 years. Since 1989, he’s created around 50 plays, writing the scripts, designing the sets, and performing every single role. All by himself.

The venue is tiny—40 seats max. No flashy posters, no grand facade, no red carpets. It’s simple. But it runs entirely on Melnyk’s energy, charisma, and raw honesty. He’s staged works by Zweig, Gogol, Bulgakov, Dostoyevsky—and every show hits you like a poetic punch in the gut. In the best way possible.

Fact: Over 35 years, Mykhailo Melnyk has performed more than 4,000 shows. And he’s still playing to packed houses.

Olga Kobylianska Theater (Chernivtsi)

Right in the heart of Chernivtsi, this place is a must for architecture lovers. Built in 1905 by Austrian architects Fellner and Helmer—the same duo behind theaters in Vienna, Odesa, and Zagreb.

Inside? Think carved plasterwork, crystal chandeliers, gold accents, and deep cherry wood. The repertoire is a mix of Ukrainian classics and global drama. They’ve staged Macbeth, The Tempest, The Maids, Forest Song—and all at a seriously high level. The actors here are woven into the cultural fabric of the city. If you’re lucky enough to catch them on tour—it’ll be a performance you won’t forget.

Fact: The theater’s stage is considered one of the most acoustically perfect in Ukraine—sound wraps around the audience like a warm blanket.

Odesa Puppet Theater

Founded in 1932, it’s one of the oldest puppet theaters in the country. But its magic isn’t in its age—it’s in the artistry. All the puppets and set pieces are made right inside the theater’s own workshop. Artists, sculptors, and prop masters pour their hearts into every tiny detail.

They stage everything from fairy tales and philosophical fables to absurd comedies—for kids and adults alike. Some shows are based on Chekhov. Others—Kafka. Yep, even puppets can dive into deep existential territory.

Fact: The theater houses over 1,000 puppets—from classic rod puppets to mechanical and shadow puppets. Some shows have no dialogue at all—just movement and light.

Kharkiv Theater of Musical Comedy

One of the most joyful and lively theaters in Ukraine. It was founded back in 1929, and it’s been in its current building since 1978. Over the years, it’s staged dozens of musicals, operettas, and musical revues.

Their vibe? Lighthearted, musical, and high-energy. They perform Silva, Die Fledermaus, My Fair Lady, Notre Dame, Truffaldino—all with a sense of fun. Plus, there are modern musicals geared toward younger crowds, with live singing, choreography, and a solid sense of humor.

Fact: In 2021, the theater was granted academic status and became the official stage for the international MusicArtHub project, where Ukrainian musicals debut.

Each of these theaters is its own little universe. Some offer grandeur and gold, others bring puppets and philosophy, and some are carried entirely by one passionate soul—no special effects needed. If you’re craving a cultural experience that’ll stick with you, check out at least one. Who knows—it might just spark your own love story with the theater.