Severely injured Ukrainian war veterans have channeled their trauma into a theatrical production in Kyiv. The amateur group spent almost a year preparing an adaptation of a classic Ukrainian epic poem, blending their real wartime experiences with storytelling.

KYIV, Ukraine — Severely wounded veterans from Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia have discovered a path to recovery through theatrical performance, staging a moving adaptation of Ivan Kotliarevskyi’s “Eneida” — Ukraine’s version of Virgil’s ancient “Aeneid.” The amateur acting group, made up of soldiers bearing serious injuries from the Russian invasion, recently debuted their production at Kyiv’s National Academic Molodyy Theatre after spending almost a year in preparation.
Under the guidance of director Olha Semioshkina, these veterans have woven together classical epic poetry with comedy, determination, and their own battlefield experiences to create a unique theatrical experience. The performance represents how art can serve as a healing force, allowing these wounded warriors to transform their personal struggles into compelling drama that resonates with audiences.
The production showcases the veterans’ journey from trauma to artistic expression, demonstrating the therapeutic power of creative storytelling in the face of war’s devastating physical and emotional toll.
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