Solutions from Ukraine: Kyiv to establish Veterans’ Theater for military community
Photo: TRO Media
Any veteran can join the theater and pursue a career as a writer, actor, set designer, or any other role they desire.
More information about this program can be found below.
What is the problem?
Transitioning back into civilian life after serving in the military can be extremely difficult for returning Ukrainian soldiers. They often encounter challenges, such as coping with physical injuries and facing the psychological effects of their time in the military. It is a struggle for them to readjust and discuss their traumatic experiences.
Recognizing the veterans' difficulties and developing comprehensive support systems can help make the transition back into society smoother.
What is the solution?
The Veterans' Theater was opened to rehab veterans who have survived the loss of a limb, a concussion, or any other traumatic experience. The project, initiated by the Theater of Dramatists and TRO Media [TRO—Territorial defense forces—ed.], will allow veterans to learn how to write texts for the theater professionally and realize their ideas on stage.
How does it work?
The General Staff of Ukraine's armed forces announced the initiative's start on April 25. The Veterans' Theater is a joint project of TRO Media and Playwrights' Theater (a team of authors focused on creating modern Ukrainian plays).
The authors of the project believe that the Veterans Theater can serve as a means of rehabilitation for veterans who have suffered traumatic experiences, suffered from concussions, injuries, or lost limbs.
Colonel Oleksiy Dmytrashkivskyi, the head of the Territorial Defense Forces' Command's public relations service, introduced the project, explaining that the concept of a veterans' theater was born a year ago. This idea came to fruition with the help of the Territorial Defense Forces' public relations service. It resulted in the production of "Letters without Answers," a theatrical adaptation of Artem Petryk's novel "Dreams of Kherson," organized by Ukraine's Armed Forces Command.
The night before the massive invasion, he returned to Kherson to visit his parents and found himself living under occupation. For nine months, Artem Petryk secretly documented the events that occurred in Kherson and its people under Russian control. These stories of everyday Kherson residents, many of whom have since passed away, formed the foundation of his novel and, eventually, a play.
The premiere of "Letters without Answers" was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Ukraine.
Screenshot from the video "TRO Media"
"Many ambassadors were present at the performance; everyone really liked it. 9 out of 15 embassies at the event invited us to their country with this performance. We were even invited to the NATO summit. And we thought about what would be very right if we continued this matter. But we looked at it from a different angle. That's how creating a theater specifically for veterans came about," says Oleksiy Dmytrashkivskyi.
He explains that the project is planned for veterans who have PTSD, concussions, and loss of limbs. Some of them will write stories and scripts under the guidance of playwrights. Then, veterans' stories will not remain only their stories but become the history of the entire society. Others will become theater actors. Above all, the theater will allow veterans to communicate with military people who also went through the crucible of war.
"This is a kind of trust and an opportunity to go through the adaptation period with less stress. The theater will help people slowly return to society and become a full-fledged part of it," adds Oleksiy Dmytrashkivskyi.
"The theater is a weapon."
Photo: "TRO Media"
Maksym Kurochkin, a military serviceman and co-founder of the Playwrights Theater, believes that the Veterans' Theater should prioritize the text, as it serves as both the foundation and the primary source of meaning in theater.
"It is crucial that those who fought for Ukraine and took up arms are shaping the meaning of our future. Those who were at war had limited opportunities to document their experiences. The theater's goal is to assist them in articulating themselves. We must challenge them with ambitious objectives: to inspire them to effectively convey the war to Ukraine and the rest of the world through their writings. It is of utmost importance that our struggle is recognized and understood through the voices of our veterans," Maksym Kurochkin says.
According to the co-founder of the Playwrights Theater, everyone has at least one play experience. While not everyone will become a playwright, anyone can write their first play with the guidance of skilled mentors and teachers within our unique system. Maksym Kurochkin firmly believes that this is a life-changing experience. The drama serves as a powerful tool for altering one's destiny.
How to become a member of the theater
Photo: "TRO Media"
"The fight for the right to have a voice calls for a combination of knowledge and abilities. That's why we put all of our efforts into achieving tangible results. But the journey will also be filled with excitement. Our team consists of the most competent instructors and honest discussions. Our seasoned veterans bring their willingness to learn and offer their utmost talents," the announcement of the project notes.
The organizers guarantee a therapeutic outcome and guidance from experienced psychologists. An experienced soldier interested in creating an original stage production and exploring acting must complete and submit an application form by May 10.
As a result, a group of 10 participants will be formed. The composition of the group will be announced no later than May 31. Much practice, innovative teaching methods, and master classes with professional actors, playwrights, and directors await the participants. However, the most important thing is that a play will be created based on the training course results, and veterans will also play.
According to the project's founders, everyone will have a place in the theater.
"If someone approaches us without skills in writing or acting, they could potentially be employed as a technical worker, assisting in the creation of stage sets and costumes. Our goal is to provide opportunities for everyone to express themselves, perhaps even fully developing a new profession," Oleksiy Dmytrashkivskyi says.
The program will last two months and begin on June 10 in Kyiv. The play, based on veterans' texts, is scheduled to be presented in August 2024.
For reference:
It should be noted that the Kharkiv Theater will be premiering "Someone Like Me," a physical performance that explores how our bodies respond to danger.
Як незалежний театр в Харкові підтримує молодих акторів та акторок: досвід проєкту НАФТАЛАБ
Shirtless: how the forum theater helps displaced women in Poltava to start living again
