Last Sunday, the War Museum hosted another performance of dissident Vasyl Stus’s poetry as the Theater of War Action presented its second show of the play "Stusanyna" in the cinema hall.
The audience watched enthusiastically as the actors brought the poet’s lines to life in an impressive performance. It was hard to believe they had all recently returned from the battlefield. For the war veterans, this project serves as a form of therapy, helping them transition to a peaceful life through the power of art.
Poetry, singing, pantomime, and prose come together in a unique blend of art forms to tell the story of an artist grappling with a difficult choice. He must decide whether to betray his true self for career advancement in a totalitarian state or to stand by his principles, even if it means risking his life. The play provides an opportunity to understand yourself and the world around you through the lens of Vasyl Stus’s work. His words resonate especially strongly now, as freedom and dignity once again become matters of life and death.
A wonderful surprise after the performance was when one of the actors proposed to his beloved. The audience greeted this touching moment with loud applause while fellow actors embraced him with sincere hugs. This emotional finale highlighted the power of art, which prompts reflection and unites hearts. We wish the newlyweds many happy years together!
