In a Ukrainian classic play from the 19th century, they changed the surname of the character ‘Zelensky’ to ‘Zaluskiy’

The play “Landowner” by Karpenko-Kary faced censorship at the Podol Theatre, where one of its characters, an estate manager originally named Zelensky, was rechristened as Zalusky in a modern adaptation by director Ivan Uryvsky. In play “Landowner” there is an inexperienced economist named Zelensky. For those who remember, Zelensky in the work complains about his subordinates, the “serfs,” who “have power,” fearing they “might say too much.”

Social media users noted this alteration and commented on its implications, connecting the revised surname to General Zaluzhny. Despite this change, the other characters retained their original names and surnames from the classic version of the play. Many social media users viewed this as a form of censorship, fearing it might offend President Zelensky.

Criticism flooded social platforms directed at the theater for this renaming. The director, Ivan Uryvsky, responded, stating that the play had undergone substantial cuts. He clarified that all characters, especially the surnames, were entirely fictitious, aiming not to offend or undermine anyone. Uryvsky emphasized that the central characters of the play were sheep, inviting audiences to draw their own conclusions.