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Woody Allen’s Works Pulled From Ukrainian Stages Over Moscow Festival Appearance
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![Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko]( "Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko")
Ukrainian theaters are rapidly canceling productions based on the works of Woody Allen following his participation in the Moscow International Film Week. Several theaters across the country announced suspensions, stressing that any connection to the culture of the aggressor state is unacceptable.
Kyiv’s Molodyi Theater halted performances of Riverside Drive, adapted from Allen’s book. The play, scheduled for September 18, 2025, was canceled after its director decided to take part in the Moscow festival.
“We condemn the participation of American director Woody Allen in the Moscow International Film Week. Culture cannot serve as a cover for crimes,” the theater said in a statement on August 26.
This marks the third Ukrainian theater to drop Allen’s works. Previously, the Chernivtsi Regional Olga Kobylianska Music and Drama Theater canceled its production of Ex-comedy of a Summer Night, or How Foolish the Whole Human Race Is. The theater explained that it “does not tolerate any direct or indirect links with hostile culture,” and invited audiences to return tickets or exchange them for other performances.
Meanwhile, the Maria Zankovetska National Theater in Lviv has temporarily suspended the musical Bullets Over Broadway. Audiences were informed that shows would be replaced with the musical Chervona Ruta, while purchased tickets remain valid.
“We condemn the participation of American director Woody Allen in the Moscow International Film Week. Bullets Over Broadway is based on the screenplay of his film but is not an entirely original work—it was adapted for Broadway by a team of authors and producers. Nevertheless, we decided to suspend the production until we receive clarification from the rights holders,” the theater’s administration announced.
Earlier, Woody Allen rejected accusations that his participation in a Moscow film festival was used to “whitewash” Russian war crimes.
American filmmaker stressed that he condemns Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. At the same time, Allen argued that cultural dialogue should not be suspended, adding that cutting off artistic conversations was never a good way to help.
