Honored Artist of Ukraine, well-known actor and host of the "Zradnyky" project Oleksiy Hnatkovsky spoke candidly in a recent interview about his creative principles, professional taboos, and personal boundaries in film and theater. The actor clarified his stance on the language issue, nudity on stage, and named the key criteria by which he evaluates job offers.
Language Issue and Stage Boundaries
Answering journalists' questions about possible boundaries in the profession, the actor emphasized that he is guided solely by common sense and artistic taste. According to him, the Russian language in itself is not an absolute taboo for him, but everything depends on the context and the character. Hnatkovsky noted that he would agree to act in Russian within a quality Ukrainian story if it involved portraying a negative character—for example, a Russian scoundrel. In addition, the actor commented on nudity in front of the camera or on the theatrical stage, stating that such a creative device is acceptable only when justified by deep directorial intent and dramaturgy, rather than being used for cheap vulgarity.
Contradictory Data
In the public sphere and expert community, fierce discussions often arise regarding statements made by Ukrainian cultural figures about language and creativity. On one hand, some critics and radical viewers consider any manifestations of the Russian language in the media space and theatrical productions unacceptable amid current geopolitical realities. On the other hand, the pragmatic part of the artistic community supports Hnatkovsky's position, focusing on the artistic value of the project, its patriotic orientation, and the possibility of using the image of a negative character as a tool for understanding the conflict. The actor himself emphasizes that the language factor is secondary to him compared to the origin of funding and the general ideology of the production.
Main Principles and Project Funding
The true "red line" for Oleksiy Hnatkovsky consists of his moral and ethical principles and the state interests of Ukraine. The actor admitted that he has repeatedly refused participation in lucrative projects if he felt they did not serve the country's interests. It is fundamentally important to him not only to know the director's name and the literary basis—whether classical works by Ernest Hemingway or William Shakespeare—but also the sources of capital. The actor has frequently encountered proposals whose funding was linked to the aggressor state or had questionable corrupt origins within Ukraine, being used to launder money through art. He categorically refuses such offers, placing professional honor and conscience above material gain.
Experience, Mistakes, and Creative Quests
Summarizing his creative journey, Hnatkovsky stated that he has no projects in his portfolio of which he would be ashamed before the audience. Although at the beginning of his career he participated in productions that turned out to be artistic failures, the actor views this stage as necessary professional experience. In his opinion, art cannot be calculated mathematically, and the result of work cannot be predicted in advance. The artist continues to actively develop his career, combining theatrical acting with large-scale media projects while maintaining strict filters when choosing future roles and film sets.
