Popular director Zhirkov explained why he left the theater and moved out of Ukraine.

Famous Ukrainian director Stas Zhirkov gave an interview where he spoke about his departure from Ukraine and his work in European theaters. He noted that he left the Theater on the Left Bank after the beginning of the Russian invasion and has not returned since. The director received permission to leave the country for cultural enlightenment and worked on productions about Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which he postponed for Europe. He stated that he does not bear responsibility for the theater team.

«We are not a family, we are colleagues. I am not responsible for these people. In March we organized a tour in Europe, where I managed the theater and offered to take children for free»

Stas Zhirkov explained his motivation for leaving the theater, stating that he wanted to engage in something that has more personal significance for him than theater. He admits that he missed many important moments in his life and is tired of constant challenges in the theater.

«In times of war, it becomes clear what makes sense and what does not. I did not just want to leave the theater; I did not want to engage with it at all»

The director also expressed his opinion on the situation in Ukrainian theater before the war, claiming that the theater was unable to cope with the challenges of wartime and lost. He emphasized that the modern war is aimed at destroying identity.

«They want to destroy us for our identity. Inhuman beings simply want us not to exist»

Stas Zhirkov mentioned that he is glad to be able to work on a new production about Russia's invasion of Ukraine and is very grateful for this opportunity to communicate with the audience in Europe. He concludes the interview by mentioning his collaboration with colleague Mykhailo Kukuyuk and expresses his satisfaction with the work and a positive outlook for the future.