Forget about Paddington for a minute. The comedy that made Zelenskyy famous was also political
The graphic logo for Kvartal 95 (95th Quartile), the comedy troupe turned production company co-founded by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in 1997, features a cute animation. In it, a young man of slight build struggles to do a pull up, kicking his feet and wiggling himself until he barely gets his chin over the bar. In a matter of seconds, the viewer grasps an adorably underpowered, yet persistent, feat of strength.
Watching it now, as Zelenskyy is fighting for his people, his own life, and for the freedom of Ukraine against a ruthless and formidable invasion by Russia, feels uncanny. But the symbolism behind it is a useful reminder of Zelenskyy’s background. Perhaps, most critically, understanding its message offers perspective on the tenacious, unwavering leader of Ukraine that most coverage of him has so far missed.
Much media coverage has noted that Zelenskyy’s history as a performer, especially a comedian, has been instrumental to building his image and creating his aura of integrity in the midst of the Russian invasion. For example, Vox critic Emily St. James zeroed in on the fact that Zelenskyy was the voice of Paddington Bear in an essay that underscores how Zelenskyy has brought a performer’s skills to wartime politics. That essay linked to clips of Zelenskyy dancing, and even mentioned a Zelenskyy skit in which he appeared to play the piano with his penis.
