On 23 May, a monodrama performance of The Blue Automobile took place at Uzhhorod Castle — a tragicomedy based on the play by Yaroslav Stelmakh, one of the most prominent contemporary Ukrainian playwrights. The evening gathered theatre enthusiasts who had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a profound, emotional, and at times ironic story about the life of a creative individual.
At the heart of the performance is a kind of confession by the writer — reflections on inspiration, creative search, inner struggles, and the complex process of bringing artistic words into existence. The production skillfully combined drama, subtle humour, and philosophical reflections on the place of the artist in the world.
The sole character of the monodrama was brilliantly portrayed by the People’s Artist of Ukraine, Oleksii Vertynskyi. The actor managed to hold the audience’s attention throughout the entire performance, filling the character with sincerity, emotional depth, and vivid charisma. Through monologues, memories, and the character’s inner experiences, the audience was able to witness an entire life journey of a creative person — difficult yet deeply captivating.
The special atmosphere of the theatrical event was enhanced by the historic walls of Uzhhorod Castle, which served as an organic backdrop for this камерная (intimate) production and created a unique mood for the evening.
Hosting such cultural events within the castle walls once again confirms that the museum space is an important centre of cultural life in Transcarpathia, where history, art, and contemporary cultural traditions harmoniously intertwine.
Mykhailo Lesiv
Head of the Department of Scientific and Educational Work
