Ukrainian theater had limited artistic freedom under Soviet, Polish or German occupations, although there were many talented directors and actors (Les Kurbas, Oleksander Zakharov, Volodymyr Blavackyj, Josyf Hirniak, Olimpia Dobrowolska and many, many others).

     After years of censorship by Soviet authorities Les Kurbas was arrested and exiled to the Solovets Islands, where he died probably in 1942. Some of the talented actors and directors were able to emigrate and continue their work in Germany and later in the United States and Canada.

     The Ukrainian theater in the United States dates back to the amateur circles of the 1890s. In 1917 a permanent theatrical group was founded by Semen Komyshevatsky, which staged plays in the Ukrainian National Home in New York City. There were other theater groups active in the United States, but in 1949 Ukrainian theater in America was enriched by the arrival of Volodymyr Vlavackyj (1900-1953) and Josyf Hirniak and Olimpia Dobrowolska.

     Volodymyr Blavackyj (The Ensemble of Ukrainian Actors) continue to direct and act in many plays until his death in 1953 in Philadelphia, and Josyf Hirniak and his wife Olimpia Dobrowolska (Theatrical Studio) produced many exceptional productions in Germany and later in the U.S. Many new talented actors who played in their productions continued their work. In 1965 a younger group of actors in New York founded the New Theater (Director - Volodymyr Lysniak). In Cleveland, several operettas were presented under the direction of Yaroslav Barnych (1896-1966). Lidia Krushelnytska, a talented actress in the Theatrical Studio, organized and to this day teaches groups of young actors, producing many wonderful productions in the U.S. and Canada, with guest appearances in Ukraine. Virlana Tkacz, New York-based Yara Arts Group artistic director, also continues the tradition of Ukrainian theater by cleverly integrating multicultural aspects into her presentation.