Autobiography
From November 13, 2012, to May 2019, I served as the General Director of the National Circus of Ukraine.
Additionally, I held the position of Head of the Department of Acting and Drama Directing with a specialization in Circus Directing at the Kyiv National I.K. Karpenko-Kary Theater, Film, and Television University.
I graduated from the State School of Circus and Pop Art in 1967, specializing in air gymnastics. Later, in 1985, I completed my studies at the State Institute of Theater Arts named after A. Lunacharsky (GITIS), Moscow, specializing in circus and theater directing. Subsequently, I pursued postgraduate studies at GITIS.
Alongside my husband, People’s Artist of Ukraine, Volodymyr Shevchenko, I worked as an entertainer in various thrilling attractions, including performances involving lions, tigers, and horses. Notable acts included “Lions and Tigers,” “Lionesses and Tigers,” and “18 Lions and Tigers in One Cage.”
In recognition of our contributions to the circus arts, we have been honored with prestigious titles and awards, including:
- People’s Artist of Ukraine (1979)
- People’s Artist of the USSR (1987)
- Medal “Star of Friendship of Peoples” 3rd degree (GDR) (1975)
- V. Durov Medal, “Silver Branch” (Italy) (1980)
- Golden Medal of Paris (1984)
- Golden Eagle (Japan) (1987)
- Gold Medal of the International League of Circus and Variety Artists (Paris, France) (1993)
In 2016, I founded the Kiev International Youth Festival of Circus Art, known as the “Golden Kashtan” festival.
The book A Cage for Two is authored by Serhii Kotelnikov and is about people and artists, including Volodymyr and Lyudmila Shevchenko.
