- Women in Chernihiv take over male roles in the theater due to war.
- Male actors join Ukraine’s military, leaving women to fill stage roles.
- Theater members raise funds and create camouflage nets for soldiers.
As Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine enters its fourth year, the Chernihiv Regional Youth Theater has changed. With many male actors serving in the military, women have stepped in to take over their roles. This shift symbolizes resilience in a region scarred by war.
Chernihiv, located near the Russian border, has felt the conflict’s brutality. Yet, despite the destruction, the theater stands as a symbol of Ukrainian cultural spirit. For the actors, the stage offers not only artistic expression but also a powerful platform for solidarity amidst adversity.
Women Step Into Male Roles
The shift began when the male members of the troupe were called to the front lines. “We were rehearsing Shakespeare’s ‘King Lear’ when suddenly our men were taken to the front,” recalled Roman Pokrovskyi, the theater’s 52-year-old director. Left with only female members, the theater’s creative team decided to follow the precedent set by Shakespeare’s time, when men performed female roles.
Ukrainian actress Ruslana Ostapko, aged 43, is among the many women now performing traditionally male roles. Ostapko, who took the stage with a painted-on mustache and black leather jacket, is just one example of how the theater has adapted. “This is pain, the pain of the entire nation,” she said tearfully, reflecting on the war and the absence of her colleagues who have gone to fight.
The adaptation mirrors the broader reality in Ukraine, where women are increasingly stepping into roles once held by men. This includes both the military and various sectors of the workforce, a shift accelerated by the war.
Theater’s Wartime Efforts
With male actors gone, the theater troupe has reinvented itself in more ways than one. In addition to performing, the staff has taken up various volunteer efforts to support the war effort. Much of their time is spent weaving camouflage nets, a task vital for soldiers on the front lines. They also raise funds to provide troops with essential supplies.
By day, the theater doubles as a hub for wartime volunteer work, and by night, it transforms into a cultural center. The troupe’s commitment to helping their countrymen is unwavering, and their shows often go on despite the war’s ongoing threat.
“Even if there are bomb threats, we continue to perform,” said Ostapko, noting how performances are often interrupted by air raid alarms. These interruptions have become a grim but regular part of life for Chernihiv residents.
Before every show, an announcement warns the audience of the possibility of an air raid. “When the alarm sounds, we move into bomb shelters,” said Ihor Tykhomyrov, the theater’s director. “It happens at almost every second performance.”
Chernihiv: A City Under Siege
The city of Chernihiv, located near Ukraine’s northern border, has faced immense destruction due to its proximity to Russian forces. Russian troops have frequently shelled the area, cutting off essential services such as electricity and water for residents. Many cultural institutions in Chernihiv have been destroyed or severely damaged by the ongoing conflict, adding to the trauma of war.
Oksana Tunik-Fryz, head of the Arts and Culture Council in Chernihiv, expressed her sorrow over the loss. “The enemy is destroying us from within by destroying our culture,” she said. “Killing a Ukrainian is killing a person. But destroying our culture means destroying our future.”
Despite these losses, the theater remains a symbol of Ukrainian resilience. It is a place where the community can still gather, witness the strength of their cultural identity, and express defiance against the Russian invasion.
Unity Through Art and Struggle
The destruction of cultural landmarks is more than a physical loss; it strikes at Ukraine’s identity. Yet, the community remains united in response. The theater staff continues to gather, supporting both their performances and the troops. “Our artists are volunteers,” said Oleksii Bysh. “We raise funds. We help in any way we can.”
Bysh sums up the troupe’s spirit with a quote from filmmaker Oleksandr Dovzhenko: “You are only small from afar. Up close, you are large.” Despite the challenges, the Chernihiv theater actors stay devoted to their craft. Through art, they inspire and unite Ukrainians, ensuring their cultural heritage remains strong amidst the ongoing war.