On May 22, as part of the National Barrier-Free Week, in accordance with the strategy for creating a barrier-free space in Ukraine initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska, the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater (Mariupol) met with soldiers undergoing an important stage of rehabilitation at a medical and rehabilitation center in Kyiv region with a cultural and artistic event called “Unbreakable”. The purpose of the event is to bring together the actors of the destroyed theater with soldiers from all over Ukraine who are undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in a medical facility after serious injuries to remind them that they are not alone with their problems, and that we all need their recovery, Ukraine is waiting for them.
This project did not come about by chance. THEATERwithoutaROOF is how the theater relocated to Uzhhorod from occupied Mariupol now calls itself, left without premises and property, with a deep wound in its heart, but undeterred and ready to move forward. The actors who survived the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russian troops in Mariupol, the destruction of the city, and the loss of life, survived and continue to fight the enemy with the help of art.
The project “Unbreakable” was created by the theater staff for the emotional recovery of our Heroes through art therapy, where each participant of the musical and poetic program can be not only a spectator, but also an actor through acting exercises and warm support of the artists. The program of the event includes: contemporary Ukrainian poetry; theatricalized stories with elements of humor and stand-up, songs, pantomimes, dance and music miniatures, personal communication with the military.
The project is of great importance and is already known in Zakarpattia. Through cultural interaction, the theater helps our defenders feel that they are needed, that they are heard, that their strength is not only in their weapons, but also in their hearts, which continue to love and believe. And our future is together. This is another step towards victory over trauma, where culture helps to recover emotionally.
This is the principle of respect, access to equal opportunities for all, because doctors treat physical wounds, and art heals the soul.
Such meetings prove that only together, through partnership, we are able to create a future Ukraine without barriers - strong, humane, united and unbreakable.