In different cities of Ukraine, veterans who have returned from the front to civilian life are being encouraged to engage in creative activities. A new hobby can become therapy for defenders, a way to express thoughts, find like-minded people, and even better understand themselves.
In Kyiv, at the “After Service” foundation, acting and directing courses have been held for demobilized soldiers for the second month already. Participants learn to work with their body and voice, transform into new roles, and convey emotions on stage. The result of the work will be a veteran theater performance. Course instructor Daryna Shupyk explained how to join the classes and what skills they help to develop.
A community of like-minded people
Daryna holds a degree in “Drama Theater Directing” and recently studied how art can influence community life. She completed an internship in the USA through the International Research & Exchanges Board (IREX).
“I conducted acting workshops in an organization that uses theater as a tool for building community and involves people with certain physical and mental conditions. The second part of the program involved implementing my own project in Ukraine, so I contacted the ‘After Service’ foundation and offered to teach theater courses for veterans,” says Daryna Shupyk.
She explains that for defenders adapting to peaceful life, it is extremely important to be part of a community of like-minded people. Therefore, the main goal of the project is to create such connections.
Self-presentation and storytelling skills
The free courses began in January and will run until the end of June. During this time, participants will try themselves as both actors and directors. The first stage consists of workshops where veterans learn to present themselves, work with their voice, overcome body stiffness, and develop storytelling skills. All of this adds confidence, even in everyday life.
“Participants constantly communicate, we work on characters, create small scenes so that they understand how a theatrical plot is built,” says Daryna. “To make everyone comfortable, I start with simple exercises that don’t require acting. For example, you can stand in a circle and say one word about your feelings or make a movement that represents your character. The workshops are designed to reveal veterans gradually.”
This approach is necessary since only one out of ten course participants has acting experience. All the others work in completely different fields and are planning to perform before an audience for the first time.
Preparation for the performance
Participants are already preparing for the final performance, which will take place in the summer. Daryna explains that each veteran will present their own short scene, and the themes of the performances will vary.
“I printed out paintings for the veterans and suggested that each choose the one they liked the most. Looking at the image, participants came up with a plot, a text, and later will present it on stage,” the instructor explains. “In this process, I act as a mentor — I can give hints, but they build the framework of the performance themselves. This way, veterans improvise and explore themselves through the process.”
For example, one participant, Yevhenii, chose a surrealistic painting depicting a man with six arms, each holding an object: a book, a pen, scissors, and so on. He decided that the hero of this painting — and therefore of the upcoming performance — could be a scientist who created an invention capable of changing society’s life.
“He presents his invention at a collegium, trying to explain that in 10–15 years it could save humanity, but no one takes him seriously. According to the plot, later his colleagues are supposed to realize the value of his discovery,” says Daryna.
How to join
Although the courses have already been running for two months, it is still possible to join. Classes take place every Thursday, and before each lesson, the organizers open a new registration form. Updates can be followed on the Facebook page of the “After Service” foundation.
Daryna encourages everyone interested to try themselves in theater.
“In our community, veterans feel comfortable and safe, while also stepping out of their comfort zone. When you play a character, perform an exercise, or make a movement that is unusual for you, you can see yourself differently, try a new role. In addition, it is an opportunity to abstract from current events, at least for a while,” says the instructor.