Ivan Dorn performed at a Russian party in Germany

Ukrainian performer Ivan Dorn has once again found himself in the spotlight following his appearance at a party organised by Russian theatre director Kirill Serebrennikov in Germany on 13 January. 

The event, dedicated to emigration and cultural performances, gathered the Russian diaspora, including well-known actors and artists.

Performance with symbolic placards

Dorn took the stage holding a placard reading "беженцы" (refugees) and other inscriptions, such as "изгнание" (exile). The performance was accompanied by hugs with Russian actors, including Varvara Shmykova, Chulpan Khamatova and Nikita Kukushkin. All these participants, including Dorn, emphasised their commitment to humanitarian and cultural issues. However, the choice of company and context provoked a mixed reaction.

Ukrainian language on a Russian stage

Although the evening was organised by a Russian director and attended predominantly by Russian emigrants, Dorn addressed the guests in Ukrainian. This fact became a notable accent of the performance, sparking contradictory discussions both among the Ukrainian audience and within the international community.

Context and criticism

Particular attention was drawn to the theme and the composition of the event's participants. On stage, Russian actors were remembered, including Yevgenia Dobrovolskaya, who had performed in occupied Crimea and supported the policy of the Russian authorities.

 Ivan Dorn's participation among Russian figures raised questions in the Ukrainian media space. He was criticised for performing in the company of former trusted associates of the Russian regime, a move many perceived as inappropriate given the ongoing war.

Public reaction

Dorn posted footage from the party on his Instagram stories, which triggered a heated debate. Ukrainian commentators on social media note that, despite the use of the Ukrainian language, the very fact of participating in such an event appears ambiguous.