- December 22, 2025
- 3:59 pm
- Israel
🎭 Announcement: “Masks Show — Romeo and Juliet” — in Israel!
The famous Odessa theater “Masks” returns with a tour in Israel with an updated version of the cult production “Romeo and Juliet” — an incredible, bright, funny, and deeply human comedy created based on Shakespeare’s tragedy. In the lead role — People’s Artist of Ukraine Boris Barsky. Performances will take place in 8 cities in Israel in February 2026.
But this tour is not just a cultural event. It is a meeting with artists who did not leave their homeland during the war, supported the Ukrainian army and the civilian population, bringing laughter and hope to people. Boris Barsky has become one of the cultural symbols of Ukrainian resistance. We tell how he helps Ukraine and why this tour is special.
Ticket sales have started, and viewers can choose a convenient city and date directly on the official tour page:
https://nikk.kassa.co.il/announce/84045
Brief Biography of Boris Barsky
Boris Volodymyrovych Barsky — an Odessan, born on September 22, 1959, an actor, director, poet, and one of the most recognizable artists of Ukraine. He studied not only art: in 1981 he graduated from the Faculty of Atomic Energy of Odessa Polytechnic, and later — GITIS (1992), finally choosing the stage.
Since 1984 he became the leading actor of the troupe “Masks”, the first Odessa theater of pantomime and clowning. His participation in 80 episodes of “Masks Show” brought him nationwide popularity, and his signature mustache became part of the legend. Barsky performed as an actor, author, and poet, publishing seven poetry collections and holding creative evenings across Ukraine.
Until 2022, he actively acted in films. Among his works: “Monsieur Robin” (1994), “The Twelve Chairs” (2003), “Ivan Syla” (2013), “The Contestant” (2016), “The Chicken” (2017). He is a member of the National Union of Cinematographers of Ukraine and the creative core of the Odessa theater “House of Clowns”.
Titles and Awards
For his many years of work, Barsky received a number of prestigious Ukrainian awards:
- Honored Artist of Ukraine (2002)
- People’s Artist of Ukraine (2009)
- Honorary Badge of Odessa “For Services to the City” (2019)
- Jubilee Medal “20 Years of Independence of Ukraine” (2011)
- Gratitude of the Prime Minister of Ukraine (2013)
- Yan Helman Prize (2022) — even before the full-scale invasion began
These titles confirm his status as one of the key figures of the Odessa and Ukrainian comedy scene long before the war.
🇺🇦 Boris Barsky and the War: When a Clown Becomes a Warrior of Spirit
Boris Barsky — one of the brightest representatives of the Odessa theater scene, comedian, poet, founder of the theater “House of Clowns” and an unchanging participant of the cult troupe “Masks Show”. But since February 24, 2022, he became not only an artist but also a symbol of cultural resistance of Ukraine, a citizen who stayed in his native Odessa despite the danger and turned humor into a tool of struggle and support.
Symbol of Odessa in the Days of War
From the very beginning of the full-scale invasion, Barsky stayed in his native Odessa, refusing evacuation abroad. In an interview, he admitted that he perceived the first shelling as “Ukrainian 9/11”:
“It’s a shock. This shouldn’t have happened in the 21st century. Is this really reality?” — he shared.
With a guitar adorned with the inscription “Odessa-mama”, he became a symbol of love for his native city. His theater — “House of Clowns” — resumed work as one of the first: already in the spring of 2022, charity performances for the Armed Forces of Ukraine and displaced persons began there. The artist emphasized that if theaters work in Kyiv, then in Odessa they can open, even despite the risk.
Position Without Compromises: A Citizen of Ukraine Speaking Russian
Barsky never hid his position: he is unequivocally against Putin’s regime. Back in 2014, he sharply condemned the annexation of Crimea, stating:
“I am an Odessan. I am a citizen of Ukraine. I perform plays in Russian. What oppression?!”
After 2022, his rhetoric became even harsher. During one of the performances, when the siren wailed, he, without interrupting the play, said from the stage:
“When will this bastard [Putin] finally choke?” — causing a storm of applause.
Later he admitted that even before the war he “mentally sent Putin an ultimatum — to lie down with Lenin in the mausoleum”.
He also speaks sharply about propagandists. About his former colleague from “Masks” Evelina Bledans, who supported the aggression, he sarcastically noted:
“Her surname is telling. Nothing more to add.”
But at the same time, he speaks respectfully about those Russians who oppose the regime:
“I bow to Akhedzhakova, Basilashvili, Chulpan Khamatova. These people are the conscience of the country, even if exiled.”
Theater as a Refuge
The “Masks” theater became a cultural bunker. Barsky himself says:
“A hospital ward remains a ward. True healing is theater.”
That is why he began inviting wounded soldiers from hospitals to the theater. After the performance, their faces transform:
“Before the performance — one kind of people. After — completely different. Alive.”
He offers each soldier to leave an autograph on the wall of his office — “the wall of fame”. This creates a connection between generations — between theater, war, and future peaceful life.
Odessa Accepts
Odessa has become home to thousands of displaced persons. Barsky and the troupe initiated an action: patrons buy tickets for those in need, and actors personally give them out on the streets.
“On Deribasovskaya we find those who are especially struggling. These tickets are like a breath of warmth,” — says Barsky.
He personally thanks the benefactors: in his office, there is a wall with photos of all who help.
Comediada and International Support
Through his festival “Comediada”, Barsky established connections with European artists. One of them, Harry Owens from Germany, organized volunteer aid for Odessa and consulted with Barsky on how best to transfer funds to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Barsky is an informal cultural diplomat. His name inspires trust and prompts action.
Artist — Volunteer
He participates in all possible volunteer actions: either on the stage of a telethon or at a spontaneous rally on the way to the store. He says:
“I am a person of flow. Called — came. Hinted — already here.”
He believes: everyone can help. Even just with a joke. Or bread for a grandmother. And also — with inspiration. Once he invited a colleague who had fallen into depression to perform:
“He first agreed, then got scared. I would have killed him! Well, then sit and chew snot…” — Barsky comments with bitter humor.
“Language Question” and His Philosophy
Barsky continues to speak Russian. But he emphasizes:
“Many speak Russian at the front. ‘Mova’ is not an indicator of patriotism. Judge by deeds, not by language.”
He advocates for natural Ukrainization, without violence and coercion. And at the same time — for respect for the cultural heritage of Odessa.
Odessa — His Mother
When asked why he didn’t leave, he once replied:
“Mom didn’t let me go. And Mom is Odessa.”
This phrase became a meme, a quote, and a motto. He speaks of the city with love: “Odessa adopted thousands of Ukrainians fleeing the war”.
He helps protect architecture, monuments, cultural heritage. His voice is heard in international appeals, including those related to the inclusion of Odessa in the UNESCO list.
Personal Joy Amid the Horror of War
In April 2022, Barsky’s granddaughter Valeria was born. His daughter gave birth in Bulgaria, but returned to Odessa in the summer.
“Even in such times, life goes on. This is my ray of hope,” — he admits.
Awards
- “Pride of the Nation” (2022) — awarded to famous people, volunteers, artists, for significant contribution and assistance to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
- Odessa Mayor’s Award “Cultural Capital” (2023) — for the theater continuing to work without budget funding.
- Commemorative Souvenirs from Military Units — gratitude from soldiers after performances.
Barsky especially values local awards: “I am an Odessan. Everything related to Odessa is sacred to me”.
Moral Compass
He remains in Odessa despite his age and dangers. In an interview, he jokes:
“If you hear a whistle — it means it’s not flying at you.”
He teaches not to be afraid, not to lose dignity, and to see light even in the darkest times. His dream is to dance the “hopak” (Ukrainian national dance) after Victory.
“First with the troupe, then with the city, then with the whole country. And into the Guinness Book of Records!”
Boris Barsky has become a symbol of resilience, kindness, and humor in the most difficult times. He is the one who did not betray. Who stayed. Who helps. Who heals with words and laughter. His theater is an island of hope. And he himself is a person to look up to. His voice today sounds loud: in the hall, on the street, in interviews. And in every word — love for Ukraine. And faith in Victory.
Masks Show — “Romeo and Juliet”. A Great Odessa Comedy About Love in Israel
“Masks Show” returns to Israel with one of their most famous productions — a comedic version of “Romeo and Juliet”. This is not Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, but a bright Odessa interpretation, where high drama turns into explosive humor, pantomime, absurdity, and the signature style of Masks.
In this version, Juliet is a “girl” of forty-five, Romeo is a romantic who is not afraid of fate, Tybalt is a brawler, Paris is the proper relative of the prince, and the finale turns not into a tragedy, but a celebration of love, youth, and beauty.
All elements of the plot are preserved but played as only Masks can: boldly, funnily, musically, and incredibly warmly.
This is a comedy where laughter is the main character.
Masks promise the audience: it will be fun, noisy, unexpected, and soulfully Odessa-like.
Who Plays in the Performance
The legendary cast of the “Masks” theater takes the stage:
Romeo — People’s Artist of Ukraine Boris Barsky.
The main Odessa clown, poet, actor, author of the play — his Romeo is simultaneously a romantic, a hooligan, and a subtle lyricist.
Juliet — Tatyana Ivanova.
Star of the TV magazine “Kalambur” (cycle “Village of Fools”). Bright plasticity, precise humor, and Odessa temperament.
Tybalt and Apothecary — Alexey Agopyan.
Actor of “Kalambur” (“Steep Dive”, “Iron Kaput”), master of changing images and signature absurdity.
Capulet — Mikhail Voloshin.
A comedic character who turns each hero into a mini-performance.
Benvolio — Alexander Postolenko.
A plastic actor and one of the key participants in the mask style.
Paris — Igor Malakhov.
His appearance is always a separate stage miniature.
The production was created by:
Playwright — Boris Barsky
Director — Georgy Deliev
Costume Designer — Tatyana Arnautova
Sound — Yuri Savchenko
Lighting — Sergey Zakharov
Choreography — Vitaly Zalevsky
Tour in Israel — Where and When
Rishon LeZion.
On February 12, 2026, the performance will open the Israeli tour on the “Mofet” stage. Here, the audience will be the first to see the Odessa version of “Romeo and Juliet” with the signature humor of Masks — in a hall that traditionally hosts the warmest premieres.
Ashdod.
On February 13, 2026, the comedy will move to the “Matnas Duna-Yud” venue, where the Masks troupe has performed before. In Ashdod, there are always loud full houses, and the audience meets the artists especially emotionally.
Netanya.
On February 14, 2026, the production will be shown in the large Auditorium Gehal HaTarbut. It is here that Masks usually gather one of the most diverse audiences: families, youth, and connoisseurs of the old school of Odessa humor.
Tel Aviv–Yafo.
On February 15, 2026, the performance will be presented in the “Klyachkin” Auditorium of the Eretz Israel Museum. The Tel Aviv show is one of the central ones in the tour, with a large stage and traditionally the widest audience.
Be’er Sheva.
On February 16, 2026, “Masks Show” will perform at the “Goodman” School of Theater Arts. The southern capital of Israel welcomes the troupe in a warm, intimate atmosphere, making the show especially lively and direct.
Haifa.
On February 17, 2026, the performance will be seen by the northern capital — in the Rappoport Hall. This is one of the iconic places of the tour, where Odessa humor always evokes a special response from the mixed Russian-Ukrainian-Israeli audience.
Petah Tikva.
On February 18, 2026, the actors will take the stage of the “Sharet” hall. The city, with a large number of immigrants from Ukraine, traditionally welcomes Masks as “their own”.
Haifa.
On February 19, 2026, the tour will conclude with a second show in Haifa — on the “Beit Nagler” stage. The final chord of the tour usually gathers viewers who did not manage to attend the first show or want to see the performance again.
Why NANews Recommends Attending This Performance?
Because “Masks Show” is part of our shared cultural biography. We grew up on their absurd humor, on this Odessa intonation, which can both make you laugh to tears and protect you from the pain of reality. Today, when the war has changed the lives of millions, laughter has become not just entertainment — it has become a way of survival. Every performance of “Masks” is a small therapy, a meeting with true Odessa wisdom, which can heal even when the wounds still hurt.
Another Reason: This Tour is a Cultural Bridge Between Ukraine and Israel.
Hundreds of thousands of people from Ukraine live in Israel, and many of them remember “Masks” from childhood. This is a rare opportunity to see a living legend, hear the living Odessa language, feel the atmosphere that unites people on both sides of the sea. NANews supports such events because they create a space where Ukrainians, Jews from Ukraine, and everyone who loves Odessa humor can feel like one family again — even if only for an hour and a half in the theater.
Tickets Are Already Available
Ticket sales have started, and viewers can choose a convenient city and date directly on the official tour page:
https://nikk.kassa.co.il/announce/84045