In brief
In Kyiv, a summer acting class, led by Olesia Korzhenevska, helps teenagers like Sasha Suchyk overcome the scars of war and depression by performing a play, offering them a glimpse of hope for the future.
In the midst of a war-torn atmosphere in Ukraine, a unique summer acting course in Kyiv aims to uplift the spirits of young participants through the art of performance. Led by passionate instructor Olesia Korzhenevska, the summer class culminates with a performance of the original play titled "It's Okay!"—designed to inspire hope in the lives of these students.Korzhenevska's Facebook post last spring sought to engage "happy children, free in their thoughts and dreams” to join her course. However, the prevailing social climate posed challenges, as many teenagers grappled with the pandemic's effects and the ongoing conflict with Russia. Many found themselves isolated, struggling to comprehend a future devoid of war.Among the hopefuls was 16-year-old Sasha Suchyk, whose journey to the stage seemed unlikely. A year prior, he had faced severe mental health struggles, dropping out of the same program and subsequently spending much of his time in a mental health facility due to clinical depression. The weight of conflict had taken a toll on his ability to connect with others and envision a brighter tomorrow.Yet, Korzhenevska's outreach drew Suchyk back to the stage, embodying the resilience of youth in a bleak landscape. Konzheneska’s vision for the course is not only about artistic expression but offering a sense of community and healing through the shared experience of storytelling, acting out the hopes and realities they all face.In this atmosphere of uncertain futures, the art of acting provides a profound means of connection, allowing these teenagers to express themselves and find glimmers of hope amidst the shadows of their experiences.
