The premiere of 'Odyssey. Maeotis' took place at Kyiv's Ivan Franko Theater, reimagining Homer's epic through the agony of Ukraine's war. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Associated Press.
The final rehearsal took place on August 25, 2026. In the production, Ukrainian National Guard serviceman and actor Daniil Mireshkin plays the role of warrior king Odysseus. He serves in the First Corps 'Azov' of the National Guard of Ukraine. Ukrainian actress Daryna Leheida plays Penelope.
Directed by Ivan Uryvskyi, the play connects the ancient Greek epic with the experience of modern warfare in Ukraine. The title 'Maeotis' is the ancient name for the Sea of Azov, adding symbolic depth.
The premiere was held at the Ivan Franko Theater in Kyiv. Preparations included styling actors' hair and preparing stage costumes.
This production is an attempt to reinterpret Homer's 'Odyssey' in the context of contemporary war, reflecting the suffering and resilience of the Ukrainian people.