You're reading: Entertainment Guide Oct. 23 – Nov. 1

Editor’s Note: Ukraine remains under adaptive quarantine, and the number of COVID-19 cases has been growing. However, after the country lifted some of the restrictions, the entertainment industry has been getting back to operations under new measures that include social distancing and a limited number of attendees. To let us know about the upcoming shows, exhibitions, concerts, movie screenings, festivals, and parties, please send an e-mail to [email protected].

‘Nondual’

Kyiv’s nameless electronic music club on Kyrylivska Street is expanding its space and purpose. As mysterious, as it is admired, the venue is famous for star lineups, LGBTQ-friendly policies and edgy interior design. Now it’s launching a Concert Hall that will house exhibitions and shows. The club will open the space with a presentation of an audiovisual installation “Nondual.” The installation shares the name with the upcoming album by Dutch electronic DJ Albert van Abbe, as it was created simultaneously with the record. Abbe will play a set on Nov. 30, while the opening event will be headlined by one of the best Ukrainian producers and DJs Voin Oruwu. The exhibition will run until Nov. 27, while live performances will take place every Thursday and Friday.

“Nondual.” 41 Kyrylivska St. Oct. 29 – Nov. 27. Tuesday-Friday. 4 p.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. 12 p.m. – 9 p.m. Exhibition entrance – Hr 150. Live performances start every Thursday and Friday at 9 p.m. Performance ticket costs Hr 690 and gives access to the exhibition on any other day

Kyiv Critics Week

Kyiv Critics Week, one of Ukraine’s most influential cinematic events, has kicked off on Oct. 22 and will run until Oct. 28. Unlike many film festivals this year, Kyiv Critics Week didn’t move online, but decided to hold actual screenings with mandatory social distancing and a mask-on policy. The festival will feature several Ukrainian premieres: Ukraine’s nominee for Oscar, post-war drama “Atlantis” and award-winning war drama “Bad Roads.” Another important screening is the Kyiv premiere of Oleg Sentsov’s dystopia “Numbers.” In the international program, Kyiv Critics Week has prepared the world’s cinematic gems of 2020. One of them is “Nomadland,” the Golden Lion winner at this year’s Venice Film Festival that features Oscar-winning Frances McDormand, tells a story of a woman in her 60s who travels through the American West after losing everything in the Great Recession. All films will be screened in original languages with English and Ukrainian subtitles.

Kyiv Critics Week. Zhovten cinema (26 Kostiantynivska St.) Oct. 22-28. Hr 70-120 per screening. Check the festival’s program and get tickets at www.kcw.com.ua/en

One of Ukraine’s most prominent contemporary artists, Nikita Kadan, is holding a personal exhibition in Kyiv. (Nikita Kadan/Facebook)

‘The Sweetest Song of Sorrow’

One of Ukraine’s most celebrated contemporary artists, Nikita Kadan, is presenting a new exhibition in Kyiv. Combining neon installations and photography, “The Sweetest Song of Sorrow” is Kadan’s exploration of the phenomenal transformation of protest spirit into melancholy. Through his works, the artist is searching for paradoxical optimism that emerges in dark times. 

“The Sweetest Song of Sorrow.” Voloshyn Gallery (13A Tereshchenkivska St.) Oct. 23 – Nov. 15. Wed-Sun. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Free

Ukrainian band Blooms Corda, which mixes indie and funk, will give a show in Kyiv in support of their recently released mini-album “Sottoportico.” (Blooms Corda/Facebook)

Blooms Corda

The pioneers of melodic Ukrainian funk, boys band Blooms Corda, is treating fans to a rare live show amid the pandemic. Famous for poetic Ukrainian lyrics, wrapped up into indie-funky-jazzy sounds, the group will present their new record, mini-album “Sottoportico.” The record is made in Blooms Corda’s signature style, adding another release to their highly-praised discography. The event’s attendees will have to wear a mask and maintain social distancing. 

Blooms Corda. Caribbean Club (4 Symona Petliury St.) Oct. 25. 8 p.m. Hr 300