The Resilience of Ukrainian Youth: A Theater Revival Amidst War

In the face of conflict and the pandemic's grip, a summer acting course in Kyiv offers a glimmer of hope to Ukrainian teenagers, aiding their social and emotional healing through the stage performance of an original play.

In the heart of war-torn Kyiv, a brave initiative took shape as Olesia Korzhenevska, an ambitious acting teacher, sought out teenagers for a summer acting class. This particular course aimed to culminate in an original play performance, offering a rare opportunity for artistic expression amidst the turmoil that has gripped Ukraine for years.

When Ms. Korzhenevska announced her course, she emphasized its core principle: "This is a course for happy children, free in their thoughts and dreams." Yet, finding happy teenagers proved to be challenging. The combination of the pandemic and the ongoing war against Russia had led many young individuals to endure extended periods of isolation, leaving them anxious and uncertain about a future free from conflict.

Just two days following her outreach, a mother reached out with hopes of enrolling her son, Sasha Suchyk, an unusual candidate for the class. A year prior, Sasha had faced immense struggles, dropping out of the very same acting class and subsequently spending most of his year in a mental hospital battling severe clinical depression and self-harm. The weight of the war, combined with inner turmoil, had cast a long shadow over his life.

As these teenagers gathered in their summer acting class, step by step, they built an emotional refuge where hope could flourish amidst despair. Through theater, they found a way to express their fears, dreams, and resilience, carving out a space for joy and healing in a world that often felt dark. The journey concluded with a performance that served not just as entertainment, but as a testament to their strength in the face of adversity, highlighting the immense power of art to uplift and unite.