To mark Ukraine's Independence Day and National Flag Day, the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater (Mariupol) presented the premiere of the play “Night in Lisbon” on the stage of the Dnipro Academic Theater of Drama and Comedy. This is one of the most powerful stories of the 20th century by the famous German writer Erich Maria Remarque, brought to life by Ukrainian director Yuriy Odynokyi, a People's Artist of Ukraine and a master of psychological depth and theatrical tension.
The story presented by the actors resonates with the pain of the present day and is particularly relevant at a time when Ukrainians are experiencing war, loss, evacuation, and occupation.
It is dedicated to those who are experiencing loss and forced displacement but do not lose their inner strength and faith, to those for whom national identity is not just a word, to those who courageously defend our country.
At the beginning of the performance, the regional dean of the Donetsk Diocese of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine, Archpriest Father Konstantin Kuznetsov, offered a prayer for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, for the defenders of Ukraine, for peace and victory.
The performance of “Night in Lisbon” in Dnipro is yet another testament to the fact that war cannot destroy our culture and our spirit. The combination of a profound, insightful performance and communal prayer created a powerful message: Ukrainians are strong because they are united, and art, like faith, helps us to endure and continue the struggle.