Ukrainian actress Nadiia Davediuk: In childhood, I discovered the world of theater, which today has become my second home

Nadiia Davediuk is a Ukrainian actress who plays in different theatres, including the Vodyany Theater who has been captivating the stage since childhood and considers it her second home. Over the years, Nadiia has played numerous roles, including the Maiden in the world-renowned story Viy by Nikolai Gogol, Snow White, Cinderella , Moulin Rouge and now, in collaboration with TeatrMusical, she will play a joyful elf in the magical production Stolen Time, scheduled for December in Poland. Nadiia shared with us her journey in acting, her second home, and upcoming projects.

Interviewer: Why acting? Your first roles were in "The Little Prince" and "Hercules" at the Odesa Musical Comedy Theater named after Vodyany. Let's go back in time: what was your first experience like?

Nadiia: My journey to the stage is a series of coincidences – a favorite story I love to tell. I remember vividly when my mom and I went to a dance performance at the Musical Comedy Theater. I was about four years old, watching in awe, and said, “I want to do that too”. In first grade, my teacher noticed me singing during class and advised my parents to enroll me in vocal lessons. I was already taking dance classes (although I often ran away from them). There was a girl in my dance class who also took singing lessons, and her teacher was a soloist at the Odesa Musical Theater named after M. Vodyany. It wasn’t until my second try that I grew to love singing lessons. And one day, the theater’s director, who needed kids for a play, came to our vocal class. That’s how I discovered the theatrical world at seven, which is now like a second home to me. My big discovery as a young actress was realizing that adults are often more mischievous than kids. I was always lucky with my teachers; they’re true professionals who instilled in me a love for the craft so deep that I couldn’t imagine living without it.

Since my first role, I’ve played a good number of lead and supporting parts in the Odesa Musical Comedy Theater, other theaters, and commercial productions. By age 11, I was even playing a boy in "The Canterville Ghost", a role I later grew into as Virginia. My first truly significant lead role was Cinderella at age 14. Another role close to my heart was in "Scarlet Sails" as the older Assol.

Interviewer: How hard is it to portray a character on stage? What techniques do you use, and do you experience the character’s fate as if it were your own?

Nadiia: When you’re skilled in your profession, it’s not difficult; it’s exciting and engaging. I always say I know this is my career because I love tackling every challenge it brings. Creating a role requires a deep understanding of people – it’s almost like psychology. You need to establish cause-and-effect links: why a character has certain traits, behaviors, and reactions. It’s also about being able to dig deep but without getting lost. For example, understanding that a character is influenced not only by life events but also by the era in which the story is set. I think I "live" my roles by wearing them rather than becoming them – as if putting on a mask. It’s like how people can change depending on the clothes they wear. It could be a cozy pajama or a tight corset, and that affects their walk and behavior. Roles are the same: you live them by putting on their character, behavior, and mannerisms. I enjoy "turning off my brain" and just being in the moment.

Interviewer: One of your most significant experiences on stage was in the play "Viy". You once said that this story "carved experience into you." Could you share more about that?

Nadiia: This role was unexpected and incredibly challenging. Playing the character of the Maiden required everything – physical, psychological endurance. For example, you’re singing difficult parts while being pulled by a cable almost to the ceiling, or you need to climb to the second floor of the set, then jump off with the cable, perform a stunt, hang by your hands, all in semi-darkness and red light. Or lying in a coffin or holding a heavy lid while still singing and staying in character. The character is mystically evil and unpredictable, yet innocent and girlish, with an ability to embody the wisdom of old age. Director Heorhiy Kovtun made this production fascinating not only for the audience but for the actors. It’s a deeply important role in terms of experience.

Interviewer: You participate in both theater and short films. But where do you see yourself in the future – cinema or theater?

Nadiia: It’s wonderful to combine these fields, but it can feel like “branching out”. They require different techniques. I love the screen experience and definitely want to have more film work, but I think musical theater, especially the musical genre, is closer to my heart. It allows me to fully express myself. However, musical theater in our country is underdeveloped; it requires significant funding, professionals, and schools, which we unfortunately lack. Not everyone understands that a theater can’t cover all genres; a division by genre or troupe is necessary. So in Ukraine, actors are expected to excel in everything, which is nearly impossible. That has its minuses but also some pluses.

Interviewer: Moulin Rouge. You announced the release of a full video. Tell us about this project.

Nadiia: "Moulin Rouge" was my graduation project at university. I played Satine. I loved experiencing this role because it has so much variety. Satine is a courtesan who dreams of becoming a real actress, and I think she’s willing to do anything to achieve that. Throughout the story, she’s seductive, vulnerable, comedic, and tragic. The musical is filled with incredible music, moving lyrics, and dances. Inspired by this, I even auditioned for the German Broadway version of the production. Unfortunately, the age requirements and my lack of language skills prevented a positive outcome, but I hadn’t expected one anyway. It was an interesting experiment and challenge.

Interivewer: What’s the easiest and hardest part of acting for you?

Nadiia: Surprisingly, the easiest thing is working a lot. I love being in the constant flow of my profession and never get tired of it. The hardest part is waiting and getting through the first day after the premiere since the dopamine drop is always intense.

Interviewer: "Stolen Time". You’re planning a tour in Poland with this Christmas play. How did this collaboration begin? Tell us about your role as an elf in the play.

Nadiia: "Stolen Time" will be performed in Warsaw on December 5, 6, and 7. It’s a dynamic, magical show for the whole family. My involvement in the project started simply: I auditioned and made a good impression on the organizers (they’ve been patient enough to wait for me from Ukraine!). The team is incredibly friendly and professional. Every day, I’m amazed by their passion and dedication to bringing this fairytale to life. I’m beyond thrilled to be a part of this, and it feels surreal to be performing not in my hometown Odesa but in another country. I play an elf named Katy, Saint Nicholas’s assistant. She’s both tender and strong-spirited. Her role includes challenging musical material and (spoiler alert!) a truly spectacular number. I can’t wait and invite everyone to see it!

Interviewer:  In addition to acting, you’re also a singer. Tell us about your musical career and how you balance it with acting.

Nadiia: I found the perfect balance between acting and singing through musical genre. I perform on stage in this genre and also release clips based on famous musicals, which you can see on my Instagram. Musical genre requires good command of voice, body, and emotions. It’s not just lighthearted comedies but also serious dramas. It’s an incredibly diverse and exhilarating genre.

Interviewer: What is your goal as an actress?

Nadiia: To be happy and make others happy.

Interviewer: In one word, describe your acting style and how you feel when performing.

Nadiia: In love.

Pictures were taken by Oleksandra Bryandina and Mariia Korovina