LELÉKA names Illya Dutsyk to direct her Eurovision 2026 staging in Vienna
LELÈKA and Illya Dutsyk (Photo: Marta Larionova)
Ukraine’s Eurovision 2026 entrant LELÉKA said a team led by stage director Illya Dutsyk is working on the staging for her song “Ridnym,” according to a statement on May 1.
The performance’s dramaturgy is built around a transition from fragmentation to unity, with hope as its central emotion.
Director Illya Dutsyk represents a new wave of Ukrainian music video makers. He has worked with Ziferblat, creating the group’s national selection performance, as well as with Oi FUSK, Khate Speech, Dantes, Brykulets and Katarina Gryvul. He also has experience in documentary filmmaking. His work on LELÉKA’s performance marks his debut on the Eurovision stage.
“We developed a strong creative connection — from the first conversation to a deep understanding of the performance. It’s a story about a personal journey, the multilayered nature of inner states and a constant movement toward oneself. I hope we have created something honest, vulnerable and at the same time strong — something that resonates on an inner level,” Dutsyk said.
“For me, it was important to find someone who would feel this song the same way I do. Illya and I quickly found common ground — this performance is born out of trust and a very sincere understanding of what these lines are about,” LELÉKA said.
Choreographer Halyna Pekha, who creates educational programs and stage performances, also joined the project, working on LELÉKA’s movement. The stage show in Vienna will include props and special effects.
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Vienna after JJ won Eurovision 2026 with the song Wasted Love. Following the draw, Ukraine will perform in the second half of the second semifinal. The semifinals are scheduled for May 12 and 14, with the grand final set for May 16.
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