Ukrainian Teenagers Find Hope Through Theater Amidst Conflict

Amid the harsh realities of ongoing conflict and isolation, a summer acting course in Kyiv is helping teenagers like Sasha Suchyk rediscover joy and hope, culminating in the performance of an original play.

In the heart of Kyiv, a glimmer of hope emerged amid the shadows of war and isolation. A summer acting class, designed for teenagers grappling with the psychological effects of conflict and pandemic, opened its doors to those in need of healing through art. Olesia Korzhenevska, the instructor, initially struggled to recruit participants, as many young Ukrainians were drowning in an atmosphere of despair and fear.

The class culminated in the performance of an original play titled “It’s okay!”, which was intended to impart a message of resilience and joy to its audience, a stark contrast to the personal struggles the actors faced. Among the participants was Sasha Suchyk, a 16-year-old whose journey has been particularly difficult. A year earlier, he had dropped out of the same class and subsequently spent much of the year hospitalized for clinical depression, deteriorating under the weight of both personal and national turmoil.

Sasha's mother recognized the importance of the theater experience and urged him to join the new class despite his past setbacks. Witnessing the lively rehearsals, one could see the students reclaiming their spirits and rediscovering skills that a prolonged cycle of trauma had suppressed. The course aimed to create a safe haven for these teenagers, allowing them to dream, express themselves, and embrace the creativity that had been stifled by the war’s relentless grip.

This small but impactful class is reflective of a broader need in war-torn areas for providing outlets through which youth can process their experiences and emotions. The participants embraced the narratives of the play, which served as both an escape and a challenge to confront their realities. As a result, the performance became more than just a conclusion to the class; it symbolized a communal step towards healing and a hopeful narrative amidst chaos.