Author: helper

“The FOG” – Theatrical Performance Premieres in Ukraine for the First Time

Theatrical Performance “FOG”
A voice that cuts through the darkness.
A light that breaks through the pain.

The “Fog” project was born from real stories — letters, monologues, interviews. It is the voice of Ukraine, speaking from the very heart of war. And at the same time, it is the voice of resilience, inner strength, and the light that does not fade even in the thickest darkness.

After a powerful premiere in Berlin — where the performance was met with tears, ovations, and solidarity — “Fog” returns to Ukraine to speak to those who feel and remember.

Kyiv. Odesa. Kherson. Kharkiv. Bakhchysarai. Olenivka. Donetsk. Kolomyia. Nova Kakhovka…
Each story is a wound. But also a testament to life. Like a lantern in the fog, leading us forward.

This is theatre where the future breathes beside us.
A meeting with yourself — strong.
With those who are gone.
And those who are still waiting.
A chronicle of a country that never gave up. And never will.

Come. Let’s walk out of the fog together.
“Fog” is more than a performance.
It is a step toward the light.
A voice of a nation growing through darkness to shape a new history.

Director – V. Demchenko
Producer – O. Sobko
Texts – N. Sukhorukova, Kh. Vasilyan, T. Fedorenko, V. Demchenko, O. Sobko
Choreographer – K. Pavlova
Cast – L. Somov, R. Miroshnychenko, O. Sobko, D. Korostylov, M. Marchenko,
Y. Onopriiko, A. Tarkanii, L. Katsiion, A. Bineeva

 

“Azovstal. The Voices” in Kyiv — marking the third anniversary of the captivity of Azovstal’s defenders

On May 17, a powerful performance of “Azovstal. The Voices” took place at the Dovzhenko Center in Kyiv, dedicated to the third anniversary of the capture of Mariupol’s defenders.
This project was born in the summer of 2022 — as a response from Ukrainian artists to the tragedy of Azovstal. Over three years, it has united dozens of cities, thousands of viewers, and hundreds of stories — not imagined, but lived.

Organizer:
International charitable foundation SVITLA.UA

This is no longer just an artistic initiative — it is a platform that refuses to let the world fall silent about those still held in captivity.

Among the evening’s special guests were veterans of the Azov Regiment and families of prisoners of war, who wait each day for their loved ones to return home.
Natalia Kravtsova, the mother of one of the captured soldiers, addressed the audience. Her words became the most piercing truth of the evening.

“Azovstal. The Voices” is a multimedia, immersive performance about dignity, memory, loss, and resilience.
On stage — the voice of everyone who continues to fight.
In the audience — a silence that speaks louder than words.

Creative team:
Director — Valeria Demchenko
Text author — Khachatur Vasylyan (originally from Mariupol)
Producer — Olha Sobko

Cast: Ruslan Miroshnychenko, Olha Sobko, Anastasiia Tarkanii, Oleksandr Zaika, Dmytro Korostyliov, Myron Shuvalov, Andrii Sobko

Original songs performed in the show:
– “Viyna” (War) — by Oleksandr Zhyla
– “Let It Burn” — by Oleksandr Zaika (band “The Broken Windows Theory”)

Special thanks to the Association of Families of Azovstal Defenders — our constant partner, ally, and friend.

This was more than a performance — it was a gathering.
A space of unity through pain and faith. Through memory and responsibility.

The project “Azovstal. The Voices” continues. Because our struggle continues.
And as long as there is someone who listens with their heart — these voices will keep speaking.

“Azovstal. Voices” — May 17 in Kyiv

“Azovstal. Voices” — a performance you must witness

May 17
Dovzhenko Center (Vasylkivska 1), Kyiv
19:00

“Azovstal. Voices” is an artistic protest against forgetting, against lies and disinformation.
It is a stage where every word holds power, and every action is a sign of support for those still awaiting freedom.

This evening is your chance to witness true resilience through art.
Each of us can support those still in captivity.
They fought until their last breath — and their voices are still echoing.

Three years of captivity for the defenders of Azovstal — it’s thousands of stories about courage, pain, and unbreakable spirit.

Our performance is a living testimony to this struggle.
On May 17 at the Dovzhenko Center, we will unite art and truth to tell the stories of heroes who gave everything for Ukraine.

“Azovstal. Voices” is a cultural weapon in the fight for justice and remembrance of heroic Mariupol.
Support those who are still held captive — those whose spirit remains unbroken, who are still fighting.

Your presence matters.
Tickets: https://kyiv.karabas.com/azovstal-holosy-1/

The event “Poetry of War” took place on March 1 at the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.

March 1, 2025

National Reserve “Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra”

On March 1, as part of the artistic project “Mariupol Unbroken,” a poetry evening took place, becoming a special moment for all attendees. The event was held in a symbolic location—the Bell Tower of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, a place where the past meets the present.

The evening brought together actors, poets, artists, and engaged spectators, who, through words, emotions, and art, once again voiced the truth about Ukraine, its resilience, and strength.

Performers of the evening:

  • Olha Cherniavska – her voice reaches the deepest corners of the heart, enveloping and making one feel.
  • Iryna Rozhdestvenska – an actress whose poetry speaks of pain but does not allow it to break us.
  • Anastasiia Tarkanii – her talent lives in the silence between words, in the echoes that remain after each line.
  • Nikita Sema – his words embody resilience, struggle, and faith in the victory of truth.
  • Alla Biniieva – an actress who knows how to make words tangible, transforming poetry into a living emotion.

The poetry evening was a volunteer initiative. This night was the participants’ contribution to the common struggle, their way of supporting those who are now defending our land and those who wait and dream of their loved ones returning home.

The event was organized by the public organization “Holosy” (“Voices”), with Olha Sobko as the curator of the project and the evening’s host.

“The poetry of war is not only about pain. It is words that stitch us together into a single whole, that help us hold on and remind us that we are strong. We preserve our culture, our language, and our memory even in the darkest of times. Let us remember – the darkest hour comes before the dawn,” summarized Olha Sobko.

The evening was yet another confirmation that Ukrainian culture is an inseparable part of our resistance. Every performance, every poem, every word carried the unbreakable spirit of Ukraine.

The evening was yet another confirmation that Ukrainian culture is an inseparable part of our resistance. Every performance, every poem, every word resonated as an act of faith, as a part of the great voice of unbroken Ukraine.

Mariupol Unbroken | February 24 – March 2 at Lavra

Exhibition “Mariupol Unbroken” at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra

February 24 – March 2, 2025
Bell Tower of Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
Opening hours: 10:00 – 17:30
Free entry (with the purchase of an entrance ticket to Lavra)

The exhibition is dedicated to the anniversary of the beginning of the full-scale war and serves as a powerful artistic statement on resilience, pain, and hope.

“Mariupol Unbroken” is a unique international art project, launched in June 2022 in Mariupol itself. This project is more than just an exhibition—it is an artistic front that unites artists from across Ukraine and the world, expressing support for Mariupol and Ukraine’s fight for freedom through their works.

Today, the project features over 100 works by renowned and emerging artists, representing various styles and genres. Despite their diversity, all these artworks share a common theme—they are dedicated either to Mariupol itself or to the phenomenon of resilience and the struggle for life and freedom.

The project has already gained international recognition and has been showcased in numerous cities across Ukraine and Europe, becoming a cultural bridge between nations, an artistic testimony of war, and a symbol of the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

Symbolic Location:

The central bell of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Bell Tower was cast in Mariupol—a city that has become a symbol of Ukraine’s unbreakable spirit.

Come and experience the indomitable spirit of Mariupol through art.

SCHEDULE OF ADDITIONAL EVENTS:

February 24 | 15:00 – Official opening (entry by invitation only)
February 25 | 16:00 – Lecture: “Mariupol as a Symbol of Ukraine’s Resistance”
March 1:
12:00 – Creative workshop for children
16:00 – Poetry evening “The Color of War”

AUTHOR OF THE IDEA, PROJECT DIRECTOR VALERIY YURYCHKIVSKYI

Premiere of the performance “THE FOG” in Berlin on January 25

NGO “VOICES” (Kyiv, Ukraine) in collaboration with
German partners “Hotel Continental – Art Space in Exile” (Berlin, Germany)

January 25

At Hotel Continental – Art Space in Exile, the premiere of the theatrical performance “THE FOG. Chronicles of a Victory That Hasn’t Happened Yet” took place, marking the result of a creative residency of Kyiv-based artists in Berlin.

Creators of the concept: Valeria Demchenko, Olha Sobko
Director: Valeria Demchenko
Texts by: Nadiya Sukhorukova, Khachatur Vasilian, Valeria Demchenko, Olha Sobko
Cast: People’s Artist of Ukraine Lev Somov, Anastasiia Basha, Ruslan Miroshnychenko, Dmytro Korostylov, Mykyta Marchenko, Yurii Onopriiko, Olha Sobko, Anastasiia Tarkanii.
Producer: Olha Sobko

The performance was presented as part of the Goethe-Institut grant program, under the “Artistic Residency” category.

Performance Format:

A multicultural performance with elements of immersion (theater, choreography, documentary chronicle).

The performance is created in the pseudo-documentary genre – structured as interviews with people who, through immense sacrifice and effort, managed to survive horrifying events and reclaim their freedom and homeland. It speaks of the near future—a future we all long to believe in—where victory has already been achieved and the fog of war has dispersed forever. Yet, for those who have been through this fog, the true cost of freedom is now clear.

A Full House Beyond Capacity

The performance gathered over 100 spectators, despite the venue’s official capacity of just 60 seats. People sat on the stairs, stood along the walls—determined not to miss a single word, a single movement, or a single breath of this unique performance.

The audience included both Ukrainians and Germans, with representatives from the artistic and cultural community, journalists, activists, and individuals deeply affected by the themes explored. The performance was conducted in Ukrainian, with English and German subtitles provided for international viewers.

Director Valeria Demchenko on the Message of the Project:

“The message of this project is that each of us can find our own path to victory, even if that path is shrouded in the fog of uncertainty and fear. But the only way out of this fog is by standing together. Only in unity can we overcome all obstacles. We are different, we have different experiences, but what unites us all is the desire to liberate our land and build a happy future.”

Producer and Actress Olha Sobko on the Power of Memory:

“This performance is about memory—one that cannot be silenced, about people who refused to be broken. We all want to believe that our victory is near. But our mission is not just to wait for it. We must document, speak out, feel, and convey the truth through art.”

Additional Exhibit – “Mariupol Unbroken”

As part of the event on January 25, a special exhibition showcased a selection of paintings from the “Mariupol Unbroken” project.

This work was produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.

 

 

“Mariupol Unbroken” in Berlin

Report on the Exhibition “Mariupol Unconquered” in Berlin

From January 25 to February 3, the “Mariupol Unconquered” exhibition took place at Hotel Continental – Art Space in Exile (Berlin), dedicated to the resilience and indomitable spirit of Mariupol’s residents. It became part of an artistic initiative aimed at drawing attention to the city’s tragedy through visual art.

Before the premiere of the performance “FOG. Chronicles of a Victory Yet to Come,” visitors had the opportunity to explore the exhibition, which featured paintings by artists inspired by the events in Mariupol. These works reflected the pain of loss, the strength of resistance, and the hope for recovery.

The exhibition evoked strong emotions among the audience, who noted its profound symbolism and importance in preserving the memory of the city. Ukrainians, Germans, and the international community carefully examined the paintings, discussed their meaning, and shared their impressions.

The youngest participant of the exhibition was a young schoolgirl from Kyiv, Varvara Sobko, with her artwork “The Eyes of Azovstal.” She is a student at the Shevchenko Art Lyceum.

This event became a significant cultural statement, not only telling the story of Mariupol’s tragedy but also opening a space for dialogue about the future of Ukrainian culture. The exhibition attracted the attention of journalists and art figures, which could lead to further international presentations of the project.

The organizers express their sincere gratitude to all visitors and partners who supported this initiative. “Mariupol Unconquered” is an artistic reminder of a city that continues to live in the hearts of its people.

 

Premiere of the Performance “THE FOG” in Berlin

NGO “The Voices” (Kyiv, Ukraine) in Collaboration with “Hotel Continental – Art Space in Exile” (Berlin, Germany)

January 25
At the venue “Hotel Continental – Art Space in Exile”, the premiere of the theatrical performance “The FOG. Chronicles of a Victory Yet to Come” took place, marking the culmination of a creative residency of Kyiv artists in Berlin.

Creators of the Idea – Valeria Demchenko, Olga Sobko
Director – Valeria Demchenko
Texts – Nadiya Sukhorukova, Khachatur Vasilian, Valeria Demchenko, Olga Sobko

Cast – People’s Artist of Ukraine Lev Somov, Anastasiia Basha, Ruslan Miroshnychenko, Dmytro Korostylov, Mykyta Marchenko, Yurii Onopriiko, Olga Sobko, Anastasiia Tarkanii, Les Kation
Producer – Olga Sobko

The performance was presented as part of the Goethe-Institut grant program, under the “Artistic Residency” category.

Performance Format:

A multicultural performance with elements of immersive theatre, choreography, and documentary chronicles. The production is staged in the genre of pseudo-documentary, structured as interviews with people who, through immense sacrifices and efforts, managed to survive terrifying events and save their freedom and homeland.

We speak about the near future – as we all hope – a future where our victory has already happened, and the fog of war has dissipated forever. Yet, everyone who has lived through this fog knows the true cost of freedom.

The performance gathered over 100 spectators, despite the venue’s capacity being only 60 seats: people sat on the stairs, stood along the walls – eager not to miss a single word, gesture, or breath of this unique theatrical experience.

Both Ukrainians and Germans attended the event, including representatives of the artistic and cultural community, journalists, activists, and those for whom this subject is deeply personal. The performance was in Ukrainian, with English and German subtitles provided for the international audience.

Director Valeria Demchenko stated:
“The message of this project is that each of us can find our own path to victory, even if that path is clouded by the fog of uncertainty and fear. But we can only emerge from this fog by uniting – together, we can overcome all hardships. We are different, we have different experiences, but we are all bound by one desire – to free our land and build a happy future.”

Producer and actress Olga Sobko added:
“This performance is about memory that cannot be silenced and about people who remained unbroken. We all want to believe that our victory is near. But our task is not only to wait for it but also to document, speak about, feel, and convey the truth through art.”

Additionally, on January 25, as part of the event, an exhibition featuring a selection of paintings from the “Mariupol Unconquered” project was presented.

We are immensely grateful to the Goethe-Institut for their financial support, as Ukraine is experiencing extraordinarily difficult times, and without this assistance, we would not have been able to bring this production to life.

This work was produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.

 

 

Creative Residency in Berlin

Introducing the Venue of Our Creative Residency in Berlin – Hotel Continental – Art Space in Exile.

Very soon, on January 25, the premiere of our new project, “FOG. Chronicles of a Victory Yet to Come”, will take place.

This performance is the voices of those who have passed through the fog of war, who remember every corner of destroyed cities and every loss. We tell stories that still ache, we recreate the echoes of voices the world must hear.

We are grateful to our partners, Hotel Continental – Art Space in Exile, for their support and the opportunity to work in this space, which unites artists affected by war.

Ahead of us are days of deep immersion in texts, images, movement, light, and sound—everything that will help us bring these stories to life on stage. We are preparing a performance that will become another testament to our reality and our resilience.

Director – Valeria Demchenko
Producer – Olga Sobko
Text Authors – Nadiya Sukhorukova, Khachatur Vasilian, Tetiana Fedorenko, Valeria Demchenko, Olga Sobko
Choreographer – Kateryna Pavlova

Cast:

People’s Artist of Ukraine Lev Somov
Anastasiia Basha
Ruslan Miroshnychenko
Dmytro Korostylov
Mykyta Marchenko
Yurii Onopriiko
Les Kation
Anastasiia Tarkanii
Olga Sobko

This work was produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.

The play “Azovstal. Voices” — 2.11.2024

The Azovstal. Voices team is proud to announce the successful performance of our theatrical play, which took place on November 2 on the stage of the Dovzhenko Center. This event became a significant occasion, bringing together artists, members of the public, and guests to honor the heroism and resilience of the defenders of Mariupol.

The play was the result of a collaboration between the projects Azovstal. Voices and Mariupol Unbroken, both dedicated to supporting and shedding light on the bravery of Ukrainian soldiers who endured captivity and the struggles faced by their families.

During the performance, heartfelt monologues and acts resonated deeply with everyone present, reminding us of the courage and strength of our heroes. Special guests—including veterans, relatives of the soldiers, and honorary attendees—helped foster a sense of unity that filled the hall, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and supporting Ukraine’s defenders.

We extend our sincere gratitude to our General Media Partner, Apostrophe Media, for ensuring wide coverage of this event. We also thank our media partners, Poglyad Media, TV 7 Media, and the KyivVlada portal, for their invaluable support in amplifying our voices to the community.

This performance was more than just a theatrical event—it was a gathering of like-minded individuals united by the goal of supporting our heroes and reminding everyone of the unyielding spirit of the Ukrainian people during challenging times.