The story of the struggle for freedom came to life in the heart of Manhattan when the musical gathered audiences at Open Jar Studios, one of New York's most prestigious theater spaces. Inspired by Ivan Bagryany's autobiographical novel Tiger Hunters, the musical was co-written by Kirill Bezkorovainy, Anton Gumanuk, and Bogdan Reshetilov.
This was reported by one of the project's co-authors, Kirill Bezkorovainy.
"I still can't believe it actually happened—we presented a reading of 'Tiger Hunters' on Broadway in New York!" The audience was full, including producers, directors, diplomats, journalists, and members of the Ukrainian diaspora. One audience member said her father knew Ivan Bagryany personally. Another audience member said that her husband fled Soviet repression similar to that depicted in the musical," said Bezkorovainy, sharing his impressions of the event.
Lisa Rafferty directed the event. Ukrainian artists participated in the event, including pianist Ruslan Ramazanov, who performed eleven songs live in English. Actors included: Dominic DaSilva played Hryhorii Mnohohrishnyi; Timothy Lawton played Major Medvin; Kayla Geragosian played Natalka; Lauren Gemelli played Fiona and Prisoner No. 2; and Austin Martin played Sirk, Arsenyev, and an NKVD officer.
The musical tells the story of Hryhorii Mnohohrishnyi, a 25-year-old Ukrainian engineer who was unjustly sentenced to 25 years of hard labor in a Gulag. He escapes from the train bound for the Gulag and journeys through the Siberian wilderness. His escape and subsequent journey through the Siberian wilderness to find refuge with a family of tiger hunters in the Far East of the USSR become symbols of resistance and an indomitable spirit in the struggle for freedom. The performance features the recurring theme of his motto, “Fortune favors the bold.”
This production is not the musical's first presentation. The New York event was a continuation of the international premiere, which took place at Harvard University in April. The musical premiered in Ukraine in June 2023 at the Kyiv National Academic Operetta Theater, receiving the Kyiv Pectoral Award.
Based on the 1944 Ukrainian novel Tygrolozy ("Tiger Hunters," "Tiger Hunters," or "Hunters and Hunting"), it is a powerful, partly autobiographical story of survival and perseverance in times of severe oppression. The parallels with modern Ukraine are undeniable. "It was meaningful to be in the presence of Ukrainian artists and to play a small role in presenting this work to a New York audience for the first time," said project participant and actress Lauren Jemelli.
Following the hour-long reading, there was a discussion with the authors about their creative processes and the historical contexts of their works. Tony and two-time Obie Award winner Stu Stewart moderated the discussion. Those present discussed the importance of language, literature, and cultural memory in times of war, repression, and Russification. They also honored Ivan Bagryany, who was imprisoned, tortured, and forced to flee because of his beliefs.
The story of The Tiger Hunters is about courage and is more relevant than ever for people whose governments seek to control them instead of caring for them. The expression 'Fortune favors the bold' is very much in the spirit of America. It embodies the idea that we create our own history, not the circumstances in which we find ourselves. An extremely powerful thought!" It is often believed that cowardice and courage are antonyms. For example, "She is brave, and I am a coward." But, in reality, brave people and cowards have a lot in common. Even brave people are afraid! They are afraid because they feel they must act. The only thing that distinguishes them from each other is their answer to the question: "Can I live as I am?" If the answer is "no," then I must be brave to live with dignity. I must admit, though, that all these thoughts came to me thanks to the fantastic songs from the musical. They really stuck with me!" said actor and Harvard University professor Stew Stewart.
According to the organizers, support for such projects is important during ongoing cultural resistance against Russification, repression, and the destruction of Ukrainian identity.
"This work is extremely important. It helps bring Ukrainian voices to the forefront of conversations about historical truth and improves our understanding of the foundations of the current full-scale invasion of Ukraine," noted noted Razom for Ukraine.
The event was supported by Nova Ukraine and Razom for Ukraine. The Ukrainian Contemporary Music Festival, the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations, and the Consulate General of Ukraine in New York also partnered with Razom for Ukraine for the readings.
Photo: Victoria Ovcharuk
Author: Inna Mikhno