The Spalenij Theatre originated in 1990 under the direction of Oleh Kulas, a graduate of the Second City Training Center in Chicago, Illinois. The Ukrainian community in Chicago had long been without a comedy troupe, since the renouned “Tyazhko na Emigratsiyi” had folded a number of years earlier. Realizing the void, Mr. Kulas decided to create a Ukrainian comedy group of his own. The Spalenyj Theatre group performed at various local venues, including both the Chicago CYM branch and the area’s annual Debutante Ball. They gained much notoriety and success, but because more often than not getting all of the members in the same place at the same time proved to be a challenge, the troupe bid adieu to the community in 1993.

With the passing of time and with the appearance of a new, younger generation eager to embrace its heritage and community, “Spalenyj Theatre” resurfaced in 2005, under the direction of its original director, Oleh Kulas. Today the show incorporates improvisation into the majority of the group’s performances, as well as audience participation. Recent performances in Whippany, New Jersey; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Hamilton, Ontario have brought Spalenyj Theatre widespread recognition among Ukrainians in North America. Current members of the troupe include Paul Abramiuk, Jaro Chylak, Mark Czerniuk, Olena Drozd, Andrew Glubisz, Natalia Kolody, Oleh Kulas, Kristin Matusiak, Irena Owerko and Bohdan Vasilik.