Hope on the Ukrainian Frontlines: Finding Light in the Dark Through Theater
In the midst of the darkness cast by war, it is often art that serves as a lantern, illuminating the resilience and hope of the human spirit. As the conflict in Ukraine continues, a group of playwrights has risen to meet this moment with works that not only document the struggle but also capture the enduring light of hope. Through their poignant storytelling, these artists weave narratives that remind us of the strength and resolve of those on the frontlines and the indomitable spirit of a nation.
One such work, Survivor Syndrome by Andrii Bondarenko, delves into the complex emotions faced by those who endure the horrors of war. The piece does not shy away from pain but rather leans into it, exploring the guilt, confusion, and yearning for normalcy that permeates life after trauma. Yet, beneath the surface of suffering lies an undercurrent of hope—an acknowledgment that surviving is, in itself, an act of defiance against despair.
Vitaliy Chenskiy’s That’s Good takes a different approach, using humor and irony as a shield against the harshness of reality. Laughter, in Chenskiy’s hands, becomes a weapon—a way to reclaim power over circumstances that otherwise feel uncontrollable. It is a reminder that even in the bleakest of times, joy is not only possible but vital.
Harry Potter by Yurii Hudymenko channels the power of imagination, drawing on the familiar world of fantasy to create a bridge between what is and what could be. Through this lens, Hudymenko invites audiences to dream of a world where magic—be it literal or metaphorical—can heal wounds and restore a sense of wonder that war so often steals away.
In Time by Onuka, the narrative moves at a deliberate pace, echoing the slow passage of time during prolonged hardship. Each moment is stretched, examined, and ultimately cherished, highlighting how even the smallest instances of beauty and connection can provide solace.
Bondarenko’s second piece, Pear, is a masterful portrayal of ordinary life rendered extraordinary by the context of conflict. The simple act of sharing a fruit becomes a symbol of community, of sharing what little remains, and of nurturing hope through the smallest of gestures.
Svyatoslav Vakarchuck’s Taka brings music into the equation, merging the lyrical with the theatrical to create a tapestry of sound and story. Music, with its ability to bypass logic and speak directly to the heart, is the perfect vehicle for messages of perseverance and hope.
In What Did You Dream As A Child? by Yuriy Hudymenko, the audience is asked to look inward. The play stirs nostalgia and prompts a reconnection with lost dreams, suggesting that hope can often be found by rediscovering the innocence and possibility of childhood.
Finally, Two Dogs by Sophia Hanziuk captures the bond between creatures—human and animal alike—that endures through war. The loyalty and love between the characters, set against a backdrop of devastation, reinforces that connection is the antidote to isolation, and love the answer to fear.
These works are not just plays but powerful acts of resistance. Through their narratives, they assert that while war may attempt to shroud life in darkness, there will always be storytellers who shine a light. These playwrights offer not just stories, but seeds of hope—delicate yet powerful—waiting to take root in the hearts of all who experience them. In celebrating their work, we honor not only their art but also the enduring human spirit that finds light even in the darkest of times.
Community Members that will be on stage to deliver these special pieces to you: Daniel Patterson, John Emery, Emma Lavaune, Richard Noble, Phil Noble, Stephanie Morgan, Clara Burkholder, and Daniil Sjostrom.
Voices from the Front:
A Staged Reading of Ukrainian
Stories of Courage
March 7 & 8 at 7pm
Cast: Dan Patterson, John Emery, Emma Lavaune, Richard Noble, Phil Noble, Stephanie Morgan
Dance by: Clara Burkholder and Daniil Sjostrom