“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.