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.
