Category: Events

On May 20, 2023, a powerful theatrical performance titled “Azovstal. Voices” was staged at the Ukrainian House in Kyiv. This emotionally charged production, dedicated to the heroic defense of Mariupol and marking the anniversary of the Azovstal defenders’ captivity, drew a full house. Among the audience were not only Kyiv residents but also those who had lived through the tragedy firsthand—fighters from the Azov Regiment, veterans from Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (GUR), and renowned military photographer Dmytro Kozatsky, who had also spent months in Russian captivity.

The performance deeply moved everyone present, as it captured the stories of those who fought valiantly during the brutal siege of Mariupol. Particularly emotional were the moments when real-life testimonies echoed on stage, bringing many to tears and serving as a powerful reminder of the incredible heroism of Ukrainian soldiers. The actors skillfully conveyed the tension, pain, and unbreakable spirit of the defenders, making the performance truly unforgettable.

What made the event even more significant was the presence of those who had personally endured captivity. The Azov fighters praised the project, emphasizing that the play conveyed not only the facts but also the emotional states of the people who fought to the very end. Dmytro Kozatsky shared his impressions: “This is not just a performance—it is our story, which must be heard and preserved for future generations.”

“Azovstal. Voices” received high praise from the audience, who left the theater deeply moved. Many highlighted the immense importance of this work in preserving the memory of the defense of Mariupol and the valor of the defenders who withstood such brutal trials.

One veteran who attended the performance remarked, “It was like reliving those days. They managed to show our pain, our fear, but also our strength.” Other attendees echoed their gratitude to the actors and directors for their deep understanding of the theme and the masterful way they brought these events to life on stage.

The play “Azovstal. Voices” continues its tour across Ukraine, bringing the stories of Mariupol’s heroes to every corner of the country.

On February 20, 2023, the “Azovstal. Voices” performance took place in Lviv at the First Theater, dedicated to the heroic defense of Mariupol. The event drew a full house, with an audience including Mariupol refugees, youth, families, and all those deeply moved by the story of the defenders of the Azovstal plant. The performance left a strong impression on everyone present and was highly praised for its deep and emotional portrayal of events that have already become a symbol of the Ukrainian people’s resilience.

The actors skillfully conveyed the emotional tension, pain, and hope of those who remained in besieged Mariupol, holding their defense under inhumane conditions. Each moment of the play filled the hall with emotion, bringing tears and deep empathy from the audience.

Particularly moving were the reactions from Mariupol refugees, who noted that the play accurately reflected their feelings and the pain they had endured. “It’s like reliving those terrible days again, but at the same time, it gives strength and hope,” shared one of the Mariupol residents who attended the performance.

Many young audience members commented that the play helped them better understand the scale of the tragedy that occurred in Mariupol and filled them with pride for those who fought to the end. “This is important for our generation, so we remember and never forget this heroic act,” said one student in attendance.

After the performance, the audience erupted into prolonged applause, thanking the actors for their skill and the emotional charge they delivered through the art of theater. The performance left a deep mark on everyone present, and many were unable to hold back tears.

The refugees who attended expressed their gratitude to the organizers for the opportunity to hear the voices of those who survived the siege and maintained their indomitable spirit. The production served as a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the memory of these events and continuing to speak about the heroism of Ukraine’s defenders.

“Azovstal. Voices” became another landmark event in Lviv, bringing people together through art and ensuring the memory of the defense of Mariupol endures.

 

On February 2, 2023, a significant event took place in Geneva on Stage 6—the performance of “Azovstal. Voices,” dedicated to the heroic defense of Mariupol. The audience included ambassadors from UN missions representing 20 countries, as well as numerous foreigners and members of the Ukrainian diaspora. The performance evoked a strong emotional response, leaving no one indifferent.

The focus of the play was on the defenders of “Azovstal,” who held out to the end under brutal conditions, as well as the Ukrainians still held captive. Stories of courage, pain, and hope resonated deeply with the audience. Many attendees could not hold back tears as they listened to the testimonies about the siege of Mariupol.

UN ambassadors expressed their support for Ukraine, acknowledging the performance as an essential part of international communication about the war. One diplomat remarked, “This is not just a play; it is the soul’s cry of a nation fighting for its freedom and truth.” Representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora also emphasized the project’s importance in bringing the truth about Mariupol to the global community.

Foreign attendees admitted they were deeply moved by the strength and heroism of Ukrainians. A Swiss spectator shared, “I had heard about the siege of Mariupol, but after this performance, I saw it through a completely different lens. It’s an incredibly powerful and tragic story.”

The “Azovstal. Voices” project continues its mission—to tell the world about the indomitable spirit of Mariupol’s defenders and the Ukrainians still in captivity. The performance in Geneva marked another step in spreading the truth about the war in Ukraine on the international stage.

The audience erupted into applause after the final scene, and the actors were showered with gratitude for their skill and the way they used art to share the stories of Ukrainian heroes with the world. The performance garnered significant interest from international media, which covered the event and highlighted its importance in raising global awareness about the tragedy of Mariupol.

“Azovstal. Voices” remains a crucial cultural project that connects Ukraine with the world, reminding everyone of the heroes who continue to fight for freedom and those who need support and rescue from captivity.

On January 17, 2023, the emotionally charged performance “Azovstal. Voices” took place at Theatre Hybernia in Prague, bringing together both the Ukrainian diaspora and numerous foreign spectators. The production, which tells the story of the heroic defense of Mariupol and the struggle of the defenders of “Azovstal,” deeply resonated with the audience, leaving no one untouched.

The actors skillfully recreated the tragic events that unfolded in Mariupol during the brutal siege. The performance focused on the fates of those who defended the city until the end, as well as those who were captured and endured horrific trials. The emotional depth of the production moved many in the audience to tears as they witnessed touching stories of courage and sacrifice.

Both the foreign audience members and the representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora in Prague were deeply moved by the strength of the performance and its ability to convey the truth about the war in Ukraine. One viewer remarked, “This play shows us the true face of war—not only fear and pain but also resilience and faith.” Many expressed that art is one of the most powerful ways to tell the world about the harsh realities of war.

The “Azovstal. Voices” project continues its mission—to use theatrical art to tell the world about the heroic defense of Mariupol and those who remain in captivity. The performance in Prague was a significant event that united the Ukrainian community and foreign audiences in their support for Ukraine.

After the performance, the audience erupted in applause, with many standing to thank the actors for their dedication and talent. Many were unable to hold back their emotions, as the play reminded them of the Ukrainians’ relentless fight for freedom.

Representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora in Prague noted that such events help not only to preserve the memory of the heroes but also to maintain a connection between Ukraine and the global community. Foreign audience members emphasized the importance.

Representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora in Prague noted that such events help not only to preserve the memory of the heroes but also to maintain a connection between Ukraine and the global community. Foreign audience members emphasized the importance of projects like this in spreading awareness about the events in Ukraine and continuing to support the Ukrainian people.

The “Azovstal. Voices” project continues its international mission, drawing attention to the tragedy of Mariupol and reminding the world of the importance of freeing Ukrainian prisoners of war.

 

Russia’s war in Ukraine has been ongoing for more than 300 days, and sadly, many tragic events will be remembered and commemorated in the future. However, we will not let anyone forget the crimes of the terrorist state. Alongside the informational front, the cultural front also speaks out, amplifying the voices of heroes—not just from Ukraine, but from the entire civilized world. As Albert Einstein once said, “Art is the expression of the deepest thoughts in the simplest way.”

This sentiment was the focus of the discussion on “Radio Ukraine” about the performance “Azovstal. Voices.”

Angelina Taran interviewed the performance’s director, Valeria Demchenko, and one of the project’s leading actresses, Olga Sobko, about how they found the right language to tell the story of the defenders of Azovstal and why they decided to create this performance.

“The push and the request for such a performance came from abroad, from the Netherlands, specifically from Amsterdam, where there is currently a large Ukrainian diaspora,” Valeria explained.

 

A student of Valeria’s, currently studying in the Netherlands, asked her to bring a play to share what is happening in Ukraine, to ensure that the war does not disappear from the global conversation. At the time, Valeria didn’t have a solid concept but had trusted friends and collaborators—Marina Sobotiuk, a researcher of Ukrainian cultural traditions, and Olga Sobko, a talented Ukrainian actress.

“I called two of my dearest people… and the three of us realized that we needed to talk about what was most known at that moment… and that was the pulsating heart of Azovstal. It’s modern mythology, a new story of the 300 Spartans,” Valeria recalls.

“We are actors, artists—we are warriors of art. And art is our soft weapon. It’s a language everyone understands. We speak with the voices of those who, unfortunately, cannot speak for themselves right now. And we speak with the voices of the symbols of this war: absolute good versus absolute evil,” Valeria emphasized.

Olga Sobko added, “This isn’t just a theatrical project, it’s not an acting project for me… it’s more of my civic duty. This is what I can do for my country if I can’t fight with a weapon in my hands.”

The conversation also touched on:

• The mechanisms used to impact the audience and the art forms they combined in the performance.
• Why the main characters are portrayed as symbolic figures.
• The reception of the European premiere in Spain.
• The ultimate goal of the project.

On Tuesday, January 17, at 7:00 PM, Valery Kharchyshyn, Olga Sobko, Oleksandr Pozharsky, and other actors will present their performance to the audience at Divadlo Hybernia in Prague.

On November 26, 2022, a significant event took place at the Cinema House in Kyiv—the performance of “Azovstal. Voices,” dedicated to the heroic defense of Mariupol. The show, which has already garnered acclaim in many cities across Ukraine, drew a full house in the capital and sparked a powerful emotional response from the audience.

The project’s headliner was Valeriy Kharchyshyn, the lead singer of the band “Druha Rika.” His involvement added even greater emotional depth to the performance, as he composed the final song, “Tribute to Mariupol,” which plays during the show’s finale. The song has become a symbol of remembrance and gratitude to the defenders of the city who bravely held the line at the Azovstal steel plant.

The audience was deeply moved by the raw emotions conveyed by the actors and the poignant musical elements of the performance. The stories of Mariupol’s heroes, which form the backbone of the production, resonated with everyone in attendance, prompting reflection on the sacrifices Ukraine continues to make in its fight for freedom.

Valeriy Kharchyshyn delivered the final song with remarkable emotion, bringing many in the audience to tears. His music seamlessly complemented the dramatic atmosphere of the performance, conveying the pain and hope carried by the defenders of Mariupol, even in the most challenging circumstances.

After the performance concluded, the hall erupted in prolonged applause, with the audience standing to thank the actors and Valeriy Kharchyshyn for this emotional and vital artistic experience. Many were unable to hold back tears, overwhelmed by the tragedy’s depth and the indomitable spirit of Ukrainians reflected in the performance.

“This is more than just a performance. It’s the story of our heroes who fought to the end and of those who survived but will never forget,” shared one audience member. Others emphasized the importance of such projects in preserving the memory of the war’s events and honoring the heroes.

“Azovstal. Voices” in Kyiv continued its cultural and social mission, bringing people together through art and music that reflects the true story of Mariupol’s unbreakable spirit.

On October 29, 2022, the European premiere of the play “Azovstal. Voices” took place at the Euskalduna Palace concert hall in the Basque city of Bilbao. The performance, dedicated to the heroic defense of Mariupol, deeply moved the audience and left no one indifferent.

The hall was filled with emotion as both Ukrainians and locals from Spain listened intently to the stories of courage from the defenders of Azovstal and the tragedy of Mariupol. The play transported the audience into the heart of the war’s dramatic events, telling real stories of those who became symbols of the Ukrainian people’s resilience.

Many Spaniards attending the premiere noted the power of the emotions and the importance of preserving cultural memory through such performances. Ukrainians living in Bilbao described the premiere as a crucial event, offering a platform to share the truth about what is happening in Ukraine and to honor the memory of the heroes.

“Azovstal. Voices” continues to carry significant cultural and social importance, uniting people from different countries around a story of bravery, perseverance, and the fight for freedom.

On October 28, a press conference was held in Bilbao dedicated to the theatrical project “Azovstal. Voices,” which tells the story of the heroic defense of Mariupol. The European premiere of the performance will take place on October 29, 2022, at the Euskalduna Cultural Center in Bilbao, and the event has already garnered significant interest from international audiences.

Numerous journalists attended the event, showing great interest in the project and expressing their support for Ukraine during these challenging times. Representatives of the Spanish media emphasized the importance of cultural initiatives that help communicate the reality of the war in Ukraine to the world through the lens of art.

The press conference was organized by Eventos Ucranianos en el País Vasco – Asociación UcraniaEuskadi and Euskalduna Bilbao, to whom the project team expressed heartfelt thanks for their assistance and collaboration.

Speaking on behalf of the project were the director of the play, Valeria Demchenko, and the producer, Olga Sobko. They shared how the idea for the production was born, based on real stories from the defenders of Azovstal. The play is designed not only to preserve the memory of these events but also to convey the truth of the Ukrainian struggle for freedom to the international community.

Audiences at the European premiere will have the opportunity to experience the true events of the war in Ukraine, witnessing through art the pain, courage, and hope that lived in the hearts of Mariupol’s defenders.

The “Azovstal. Voices” project continues its mission, and the team hopes that this performance will become a powerful voice for Ukraine on the international cultural stage.

“Azovstal” and its defenders will forever remain a wound for our people and its history. The atrocities committed by Russian criminals in Olenivka defy any description. It was hard to imagine that such absolute and unscrupulous evil could exist in the world. Russia is a terrorist state, and the world must acknowledge this.

We must speak about it constantly, reminding the world every day about the tragedy of Azovstal and that a terrorist state has no right to participate in any international relations—be it economic, diplomatic, or cultural.

We must do this by all available means. Our cultural and civic leaders have created a multimedia performance, Azovstal. Voices, which was staged in the basement of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, immersing the audience in the events of the bomb shelter at Azovstal.

The performance conveys the emotions and experiences of those who were trapped underground for 80 days. This act immerses the audience in the harsh realities of 21st-century Ukraine and rekindles a sense of empathy in those who have lost touch with the need to save their fellow human beings.

This performance will tour Europe to ensure the tragedy is not forgotten and that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

Director – Valeria Demchenko
Text author – Khachatur Vasylyan
Concept creator – Maryna Sobotyuk
Producer – Olga Sobko
Cast: Valeriy Kharchyshyn, Lyudmyla Ardelian, Oleksandr Pozharskyi, Olga Sobko, Oleksandr Zhyla, Oleksandr Zaiika, Anastasia Tarkanii, Myron Shuvalov, Andrii Sobko.