“Poetry of War”

“Poetry of War” is a staged poetic performance that brings together the power of contemporary Ukrainian poetry, live acting, and music. This is not just an artistic event — it is the voice of the times, an emotional chronicle of war captured in poems written during the full-scale invasion.

These texts were born in evacuation, under temporary occupation, in rear cities, in new places of life, in states of loss, anticipation, confusion, or faith. They are the words of those experiencing war in all its forms — near and far, without weapons, but with pain and clarity.

The actors give voice to these poems — not merely reading them, but living through them, transforming poetry into a performative act. Music in the performance does not accompany but reveals the inner space of the verse, intensifying silence, pauses, and tension.

The project was created as a form of remembrance, dialogue, and empathy. Poetry becomes a tool for emotional cleansing — a space where the audience is not just a witness, but a participant — to live through, feel, and accept.

“Poetry of War” is an attempt to preserve human voices in an inhuman time — and not to lose oneself in the vastness of history.

Concept and Project Lead: Olha Sobko
Director: Valeriia Demchenko
Cast: Olha Cherniavska, Alla Biniieva, Iryna Rozhdestvenska, Anastasiia Tarkanii, Nikita Sema