- December 22, 2025
- 12:58 am
- Israel
Part of the proceeds from ticket sales will be directed to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. – The play is in Ukrainian! Works by Ukrainian masters of decorative and applied arts and original music by a Ukrainian composer were used for the production. Premiere — in the second half of December 2025! The play with a Christmas-New Year market of authentic Ukrainian goods will take place in three cities in Israel — Ashdod, Haifa, and Tel Aviv.
“The Tale of Malanka and the Evil Snake”
In December, a place will appear in Israel where Ukrainian authenticity, fantasy, and festive mood come together in one big warm event.
This is about the premiere of “The Tale of Malanka and the Evil Snake” — a play created by the creative association MAK_UA/Ukrainian Art Amateur Forge in Israel under the direction of Marina Kadatska.
This event is addressed not only to Ukrainians.
It is created for all residents of Israel — Jews, new immigrants, families with children, for everyone who supports Ukraine and is interested in its culture, mythology, and creativity, regardless of nationality.
This is a play where there is no religious symbolism — only legend, fantasy, Carpathian aesthetics, and winter mood.
What this story is about — the full plot of the fairy tale
“The Tale of Malanka and the Evil Snake” is a journey into the world of Ukrainian legends, where good and darkness clash not with swords, but with character, courage, and friendship.
Malanka — the heroine who brings light
Malanka is a kind and lively girl who knows how to find a common language with the forest, animals, and people.
She is an image of harmony and peace: caring, brave, sincere.
The Snake — a force that feeds on envy
The Snake is not a monster, but a collective image of dark energy that appears where someone envies another’s happiness.
It wants to disrupt order, destroy joy, and extinguish everything that shines.
“Long ago, when the world was just awakening, in the Carpathian forest lived Malanka the beauty — a kind daughter. She brought harmony, light, and love…
But there are always those who envy kindness.
What will happen to Malanka, who will save her,and will good finally triumph?”
Six bright characters will give children and adults unforgettable impressions, opening doors to the magical world of ancient Ukrainian legends and myths. After the play, children will have a photo session with the characters and festive gifts.
This is a story not about magic — but about support, warmth, and the ability to help others.
How to understand the title “The Tale of Malanka and the Evil Snake”
This section is created for readers who are not familiar with the Ukrainian language and folklore but want to understand what lies behind the title of the fairy tale and who its characters are.
Who is “Malanka”
“Malanka” is a kind, bright image from Ukrainian winter folk traditions.
She is always presented as:
joyful,
warm,
positive,
a lively heroine of winter holidays.
This is a character of festive disguises, fun scenes, and fairy-tale plots.
Her role is to bring light, mood, and renewal.
She is not a mythological goddess or a religious image — she is a folk heroine of a winter fairy tale.
What does the word “evil” mean
In Ukrainian tradition, “evil” does not mean “absolute evil”.
This term describes:
cunning,
harmfulness,
treachery,
a tendency to mischief,
behavior that causes trouble, but not horror.
This is a typical folklore “trickster” — one who interferes, confuses, plays pranks.
Who is the “Snake”
The “Snake” is a large, exaggerated fairy-tale serpent.
The image is created in the style of Ukrainian folk tales:
slightly dangerous,
loud,
cunning,
bright,
but always within the framework of a playful, festive genre.
It is not a monster from myths, but a character that exists in the world of folk humor, carnival, and adventure.
What does the expression “evil Snake” mean
It is important to understand:
“evil Snake” is not a traditional character that has existed in folklore for centuries.
It is a creative, specially created image, designed as is customary in Ukrainian folk tales.
That is, it is a complete “name-character”, where:
“evil” shows its character — cunning, harmful, mischievous;
“snake” shows the form — a large fairy-tale serpent.
In the end, “evil Snake” is a folklore type:
a cunning, mischievous, harmful fairy-tale serpent that loves to play pranks and creates adventures for the heroes.
It is a plot initiator, not a villain in a heavy sense.
How to interpret the title as a whole
The title means that this is a fairy tale:
about a kind heroine of winter traditions — Malanka,
and about a harmful, cunning, fairy-tale serpent,
around whose pranks the whole action unfolds.
This is a light, winter, folk story built on the contrast of kindness and cunning, not on the struggle of light with darkness.
How it will be on stage
The production includes:
original Ukrainian music
elements of Carpathian aesthetics
decorative works by Ukrainian masters
live acting
light humor and kind dialogues in Ukrainian
After the play, children will receive gifts, a photo session with the characters, and a festive market of authentic Ukrainian goods.
And part of the funds will be donated to support Ukraine, making participation in the play also a gesture of solidarity.
Organizer: who is behind the project
At the head of the project is Marina Kadatska, founder of MAK_UA/Ukrainian Art Amateur Forge in Israel.
MAK_UA is:
children’s and family plays
creative projects
cultural events
support for new immigration
development of Ukrainian culture in Israel without political or religious undertones
🔗 Organization page:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089057714353
This is a space where art unites people — both Ukrainians and Jews, and everyone who is close to the idea of light and good stories.
Why this is suitable for the Israeli audience
Because this fairy tale is about how goodness can be fragile but indestructible.
This is a story understandable to everyone who:
– supports Ukraine
– values the culture of different peoples
– loves family theater
– wants to give children a holiday
– seeks good events regardless of language and origin
“The Tale of Malanka and the Evil Snake” is not just a play, but a warm meeting of cultures, families, and people who find it important to preserve humanity and light.
Why NANovosti recommends attending this premiere
NANovosti recommends attending “The Tale of Malanka and the Evil Snake” because this event combines several important meanings for Israel and Ukraine.
Firstly, it is a high-level family theater, created in Israel, but with respect for Ukrainian authentic culture. Such projects are rare: they are both careful with tradition and modern in presentation.
Secondly, the play is suitable for all viewers, regardless of nationality. It is not an “event for Ukrainians”, but a space where families come who support Ukraine, are interested in its culture, value good stories, and want to give children a useful, warm, and beautiful experience.
Thirdly, the project creates a cultural bridge between Ukraine and Israel. A time when art connects people better than any diplomacy.
And finally, an important detail: part of the funds goes to support Ukraine.
Attending the play is not only a celebration but also a small sign of solidarity with the people who are defending their freedom today.
Therefore, NANovosti considers the premiere of “The Tale of Malanka and the Evil Snake” one of the kindest, most important, and beautiful cultural events of December.
Tickets and where and when to watch
HAIFA
📅 December 23, 2025, 18:00
📍 Matnas “Adar”, Jerusalem St. 29
🎟 Tickets:
https://www.osehaim.co.il/
TEL AVIV
📅 December 27, 2025, 12:00
📍 ZOA House TLV, Daniel Frisch St. 1
🎟 Tickets:
https://www.osehaim.co.il/
ASHDOD
The show is confirmed, but the date and tickets will appear later.
MAK_UA will announce updates separately.
