Postage Issue: The Witch of Konotop

Drama The Witch of Konotop on stage is already a legend. The play is quoted, debated, and shared far beyond the theater walls. What started as a stage production has become a cultural phenomenon — one that resonates deeply in Ukraine and increasingly around the world.

Premiering on April 28, 2023, at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater in Kyiv, The Witch of Konotop (Ukrainian: Konotopska Vidma) is a bold reinterpretation by director Ivan Uryvskyi of a classic Ukrainian story. It blends folklore, sharp humor, music, and striking visual language — creating a theatrical experience that feels both deeply rooted in tradition and unmistakably modern.

In 2024, the production received Ukraine’s highest cultural honor, the Taras Shevchenko National Prize. It has also become a tool of cultural diplomacy: a fragment of the play was performed at the Peace Summit in Switzerland, bringing Ukrainian narratives to an international stage in a powerful, emotionally direct way. Touring across Europe and beyond, the play speaks about the war in Ukraine without simplification — challenging stereotypes shaped by Russian propaganda and offering a more nuanced, human perspective.

This production is socially impactful. Through its performances, the team has raised over €1.5 million (more than 60 million UAH) to support the Defence forces of Ukraine: to purchase UAVs, vehicles, protective gear, and communication systems. In this sense, the play exists at the intersection of culture, activism, and real-world impact — something that defines much of contemporary Ukrainian art today.

«Oi, vorohy, vorohy, ne perekhodte dorohy» («Oh enemies, my enemies, do stand on my ways»)

This line, instantly recognizable to Ukrainian audiences, captures the spirit of the production — ironic, defiant, and charged with energy. Now, this cultural phenomenon is expanding beyond the stage into philately.

On March 30, 2026, a new Ukrainian postage stamp titled The Witch of Konotop will be officially issued and valid for postal use nationwide.

Stamp No. 2228 (2228-B) features a 40×40 mm format, with a sheet size of 147×180 mm. It carries the «U» denomination, corresponding to domestic standard letter postage (up to 50 grams) or postcards. The total print run is 630,000 copies, including 10,800 imperforate and numbered sheets reserved for advanced collectors and philatelic subscription holders.

In addition to the stamp, the issue includes First Day Covers (15,000 copies), postcards (15,000), and limited-edition collector folders (600). The design of all items was created by the Ivan Franko Theater itself — a rare and meaningful detail that preserves the artistic integrity of the original production. Printing was carried out using offset techniques by the state enterprise «Ukraine.»

The official First Day cancellation will take place in Kyiv (postal code 01001).

For international collectors, this release is more than just a new stamp — it is a way to connect with contemporary Ukrainian culture at a pivotal historical moment. Ukrainian postage stamps today often go far beyond traditional themes: they reflect resilience, identity, humor, and resistance. And for those outside Ukraine, the national postal operator Ukrposhta remains the most reliable source for authentic, officially issued Ukrainian stamps and collectible sets.

The Witch of Konotop continues its journey — from stage to global audiences, and now onto envelopes traveling across the world. It is a vivid example of how modern Ukrainian culture works: rooted in history, bold in form, and deeply connected to the present.