In brief
In the midst of ongoing conflict and the lingering shadows of the pandemic, a summer acting class in Kyiv focused on uplifting local teenagers, culminating in a performance of an original play that fosters hope and resilience.
In Kyiv, a summer acting course aimed to bring joy and creativity back to teenagers affected by conflict and isolation. Olesia Korzhenevska, the instructor, envisioned a class that would allow participants to explore happiness and freedom in expression, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war in Ukraine. The impact of the pandemic and continuous strife had turned many young people into anxious individuals, confined mentally and socially for years.After posting an invitation on Facebook, Ms. Korzhenevska welcomed the story of Sasha Suchyk, a 16-year-old who had faced significant struggles, including a serious bout of clinical depression and a stay in a mental hospital. His mother reached out after witnessing the transformative potential of the course.While Sasha’s past seemed daunting, his courage to rejoin the world of acting illustrated a fundamental desire for connection and healing. In a community grappling with despair, participation in the arts provided an essential outlet for these teenagers. It became a means to reclaim their joy and build resilience, helping them navigate the complexities of their lives in a challenging environment. The production of “It’s okay!” not only brings these young actors together but serves as a metaphorical reminder that hope can be found even in dire circumstances. Through this creative journey, they learned that storytelling has the power to uplift spirits and inspire a sense of normalcy amidst chaos.
