Famous Ukrainian actor explains why he washes the stage before the show.

Actor and teacher Oleg Stefan spoke about his special pre-show ritual - he washes the stage himself. This ritual not only helps him in acting, but also expresses his respect for the stage as a sacred place.

Stefan shared that he constantly explored this ritual while working at the Les Kurbas Lviv Academic Theater. Some of his colleagues also supported this idea.

The actor explained that washing the stage is an important part of preparation for a performance, along with taking care of his own body. He translated a book by Japanese actor Yoshi Oido, who worked with Peter Brook in Paris and found out that this ritual is beneficial for actors.

When Stefan conducts trainings with professional actors, he starts by washing the floor on the stage. He also asks the actors about their experience and if they have a similar ritual. He explains that the stage is a sacred place that brings glory, satisfaction, and fulfillment, so performing the ritual helps actors to play better.

Stefan added that even during tours in Germany, he continued to wash the stage. Foreign colleagues were surprised by this practice, but he paid no attention to it.

Oleg Stefan is known for his roles in movies and on the theatrical stage. He starred in such plays as 'Crossroads', 'Forest Song', 'Don Juan', and 'Marko the Damned, or Eastern Legend'. Currently, he works at the Drama and Comedy Theater on the Left Bank in Kyiv.