The Odesa Musical-Dramatic Theatre named after Vasylyk unveiled its latest play titled "Hello, Monster!" Directed by Kyiv's Slava Zhila, this romantic-mystical comedy is based on the work of Italian playwright Carlo Gozzi, "The Blue Monster." This marks the first Ukrainian adaptation of the play, heralding a new era in Ukrainian theatre.

The premiere featured two acts that delve into profound themes of power and human nature. Viktor Shylo provided the translation of the play, forming the foundation for this unique production.

"This play is a classic of world dramaturgy, yet the Ukrainian translation of 'The Blue Monster' did not exist until now. I owe thanks to Yuliya Pyvovarova for her support, as I wanted to present something Italian for Odesa, and I hope we succeeded," the director noted.

The storyline unfolds in Nanjing, a southern kingdom of China, where intrigue and rumors tear apart true love. The monarch remains oblivious to his wife's secret affairs while the townsfolk suffer from monsters. Onstage, two lovers appear: a princess and a missing heir to the throne, who must overcome fantastical trials to save the kingdom.

The director emphasized that the play explores themes of power, human flaws, the end of the world, and the dawn of a new era. It also emphasizes how religion influences human relationships and how true feelings are often confused with other emotions.