The Gates of Kyiv

Bill Kenwright Ltd and Theatre Royal Windsor in association with Oxana Symonds and George Fenton for BEMUSE Performing Arts UK present the world-premiere of THE GATES OF KYIV.

Narrated live by Broadway and Hollywood legend STOCKARD CHANNING and renowned British stage and screen actor MICHAEL PRAED, The Gates of Kyiv tells the story of the extraordinary life of the Soviet piano virtuoso Maria Yudina – fearless protestor, disruptor, and ‘dissident.’ Fiercely defiant of the repressive regime of Joseph Stalin, she publicly denounced him and his regime, yet somehow, she lived. The legend is, she and Stalin met…

The Gates of Kyiv is about the power of the live arts in troubled times, using Yudina’s own original repertoire, ending with her famous and furious rendition of Mussorgsky’s Great Gate of Kyiv. The grandiose designs for the gate which the music references, were intended as a symbol of Tsarist dominance in Ukraine, but it was never actually built. On the 150th anniversary of the piece’s writing, Kyiv stands defiant against Russian invasion.

Joining Stockard Channing and Michael Praed in this unique combination of storytelling, music, and dance are celebrated Italian-based Russian pianist GALA CHISTIAKOVA, and international ballet star XANDER PARISH OBE.

The Gates of Kyiv is written by playwright, actor and historical biographer Ian Kelly and will be directed by Roxana Silbert. Choreography is by Kenneth Tindall, with design by Ti Green, Lighting Design by Rick Fisher, Sound Design by Fred de Faye, and Video Design by Louis Price.