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Iosif GirnyakUkrainian theater actor and director, theater teacher
Date of Birth: 14.04.1895
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Early Life and Education
- - Attended the Rogatyn Gymnasium from 1911 to 1914.
- "Bereziľ" and Peak of Acting
- - Appeared in films, including "Vendetta" (1924).
- Post-War Career
- - Directed notable productions, including "Hamlet" (1943).
- Directorial Highlights
- - Continued to perform as Mina, mesmerizing audiences.
- - Earned the nickname "Ukrainian Michael Chekhov."
Early Life and Education
- Born into a large family of eight siblings, including renowned Ukrainian political and cultural leader, Никифор.
- Attended the Rogatyn Gymnasium from 1911 to 1914.
- Studied at the Lviv Veterinary Academy from 1917 to 1920.Theatrical Career
Early Stage Roles
- Debuted on stage at the Theater of the Ukrainian Sich Riflemen in 1915.
- Performed at the "Ukrainian Conversation" Theater in Lviv from 1916 to 1918 and the New Ukrainian Theater in 1919-1920.
- Primarily played comedic and character roles, showcasing his versatility.
"Bereziľ" and Peak of Acting
- Joined the theatrical association "Bereziľ" in 1922 and toured with it extensively.
- Became recognized for his exceptional portrayal of tragicomic characters, such as Mina in "Mina Mazaĭlo."
- Appeared in films, including "Vendetta" (1924).
Repression and Exile- After the suppression of "Bereziľ" in 1933, worked at the Kharkiv Young Spectators' Theater.
- Arrested by the Stalinist regime in 1934 and sentenced to labor camps and exile.
- Despite a ban, attempted to reunite with his wife in 1937, resulting in her arrest and his deportation back to exile.
Post-War Career
Rebirth of Ukrainian Theater- Returned to Ukraine in 1940 and worked as a director at the Cherkasy Drama Theater and the Kyiv Young Spectators' Theater.
- Established the dramatic section of the Lviv Opera Theater in 1942, becoming a center for free Ukrainian theater.
- Directed notable productions, including "Hamlet" (1943).
Emigration and Founding of Theaters- Fled Ukraine in 1944 due to political persecution.
- Led Ukrainian theater troupes in Germany and Austria.
- Immigrated to the United States in 1949.
- Founded and directed the Ukrainian Theater in the USA (1953-1956) and Theater of Words in New York (1956-1964).
Directorial Highlights
- Staged significant works of Ukrainian literature, such as "Gajdamaky" and "Moses."
- Revived "Bereziľ" productions, including "For Two Hares" and "Mina Mazaĭlo."
- Continued to perform as Mina, mesmerizing audiences.
Legacy as Theatrical Educator and Author- Taught acting at the theatrical studio in New York City.
- Published memoirs, articles, and theoretical works on theater, including "The Swan Song of Leś Kurbas" and "Ukrainian Theater in America."
- Earned the nickname "Ukrainian Michael Chekhov."
- Died in Philadelphia and was buried in the Ukrainian Catholic cemetery.
