The First Academic Ukrainian Theatre for Children and Youth will host the Christmas performance "Vertep".
Vertep is a unique Ukrainian theatrical form, one of the signs of Ukrainian identity. Vertep is a vivid picture of the past and present at the same time, where there is always faith and victory of Good and Light. Vertep is folk humour that saves in difficult times because, in a good joke, we glorify the courage of our nation, which does not lose ingenuity and good mood even in times of danger.
Each action of the Vertep has its own story. The text of the Sokyryn vertep of 1774, which was recorded in the Poltava region, was taken as a basis. The first act is a classic Christmas story: the birth of Jesus and the story of King Herod. The second is based on folklore that emerged during the war.
Traditionally, in Ukraine, men used to perform the Nativity scene, but now, when men are defending the country at the front, women are also fighting on the cultural front, protecting traditions, which is why our Nativity scene is only women.
