The dramatic multimedia play "Azovstal. Voices" by Valeria Demchenko, a lecturer at the Department of Stage Art and Culture of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design and a contemporary creative director, stands out not only for its impressive stage realization but also for its profound immersion into the essence of current dramatic events in Ukraine. Valeria Demchenko, together with a talented cast, has made a creative project that goes beyond the boundaries of a typical production.
Photo 1: Poster of the play "Azovstal. Voices" directed by V. Demchenko
The play narrates the story of Mariupol during the bombing by Russian forces. The events of the city's defense are woven into monologues that reveal the profound spiritual values of each individual. It goes beyond memories of the 86 days of defense; it delves into monologues that unfold the spiritual values of each person. The play is grounded in the real events that occurred in Mariupol, evoking sympathy for those who experienced events that could have happened to any of us, leaving an indelible dramatic impression as a symbol of the defense of Ukrainian land and values, reflecting the closeness to the reality of the events.
Photo 2: Scenes from the play "Azovstal. Voices"
In the play, the voices of the defenders go beyond a simple narrative; they become characters whose essence lives in the hearts of those who remember and believe. The play features the voices of the real characters: Ptashka, Orest, a helicopter pilot, and others – voices that transform fear into strength and despair into freedom.
One of the main roles in the play is portrayed by the talented Anastasiia Tarkaniy, a 4th-year student of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, a course of acting (art director of the course is People's Artist of Ukraine, Prof. Lev Somov). Her impressive portrayal of the Ukrainian volunteer-medic Ptashka from Azovstal opens new horizons of acting mastery, providing the audience with an unparalleled theatrical experience and contributing a unique perspective to the overall concept of the play. In this context, "Azovstal. Voices" becomes not only an event in the world of theater but also a special creative process that combines the experience of recognized stage masters with the innovative approach of young talents, students of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design.
Photo 3: Anastasiia Tarkaniy (Ptashka)
The cast also includes Ruslan Myroshnychenko, Olha Sobko, Oleksandr Zhyla, Anastasiia Tarkaniy, Oleksandr Zaika, and Dmytro Korostylov. The actors not only play their roles but also become the voices of those whom they didn't know before but whose fates they now portray on stage.
Photo 4: Actors and audience after the play with a medical worker Ptashka from Azovstal
The touring production of "Azovstal. Voices" became a cultural event, uniting audiences from different cities in Ukraine and Europe. The play tells a story about life and human interactions in the context of a complex historical period in our country. Cities in Ukraine, such as Kyiv, Odesa, and Lviv, responded to the play with special attention. Residents of these cities had the opportunity to experience the history of Azovstal through the eyes of the characters, feel the emotions, and deepen their understanding of important events.
Valeria Demchenko, Anastasiia Tarkaniy, and the actors of the play were awarded a Certificate of Merit by the Prymorsky District Administration of the Odesa City Council for their active civic position, popularization of Ukrainian culture and art, helping to maintain a high moral and fighting spirit, readiness to defend the Ukrainian state.
Photo 5: Certificate of Merit from the Prymorsky District Administration of the Odesa City Council
The touring production also reached European cities, expanding the audience and attracting attention to Ukrainian culture and contemporary theatrical art.
In Geneva, Prague, and Bilbao, audiences had the opportunity to feel the impact of Ukrainian history on the modern world and deepen their understanding of the diversity of cultures and common themes that unite us all. In each city, the audience felt the energy of the play and was impressed by the talent of the actors, the director's approach, and the contemporary perspective on history. The touring production became an important stage in spreading Ukrainian culture beyond the country's borders and contributed to building bridges between nations through theatrical art.
Several foreign publications, including a report in the "New York Times," covered the play.
Photo 6: Report in the "New York Times"
The director of the play, Valeria Demchenko (lecturer at Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design), delivered a speech at the UN in Geneva, mentioning Ukraine going through an important stage of development. The play "Azovstal. Voices" is an attempt to express the diversity of voices that form the basis of our society. "We believe in the power of theatrical art as a tool for expressing emotions and thoughts that are often difficult to articulate in words, and we hope that our play will leave a mark and contribute to supporting our country on the path to victory, freedom, and understanding”, said Valeria Demchenko. The UN mission ambassadors in Geneva gave the artists a standing ovation.
Photo 7: Valeria Demchenko (lecturer at Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design), director of the play "Azovstal. Voices"
"Azovstal. Voices" calls on everyone to become voices for those who currently cannot speak for themselves. Speak to everyone who can hear you! Speak to the world!
Article by A. Kolenko
04.12.2023
