‘On the Ground’ special edition focused on the performing arts
‘On the Ground’ special edition focused on the performing arts
Photo: Daria Lanova
Photo: Daria Lanova
From 25 to 30 November, an introductory visit for international cultural practitioners and journalists took place in Kyiv as part of the ‘On the Ground’ programme.
This special edition focused on the performing arts and included theatre viewings, backstage visits, conversations with key sector figures, and participatory practices.
About the visit
Delegates from Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, Slovakia, the United States and Hungary explored how culture in Ukraine functions during the full-scale war: both in the state-run and independent sectors.
Participants' feedbacks
‘Since the full-scale invasion, many countries perceive Ukraine solely as a victim. Stereotypes emerge: “We need to support Ukrainian culture, let’s invite them over. “ But this is high-quality art that needs no indulgence.’ – Michal Dudoň, a journalist at the daily newspaper SME, focusing on culture, cultural reporting, and human rights issues.
‘You live in a post-colonial situation where renewed colonisation remains a real threat. We all face the strengthening of authoritarian regimes, and you are developing strategies to counter this. That is why Ukraine can become an example for other European countries — showing what resistance through art can look like.’ – Marijn Lems, arts critic and reporter, focusing on the intersection between art, politics and emancipation
Photos: Nastia Telikova, Daria Lanova, Valeriia Landar
The programme focuses on Ukraine’s resilience during the full-scale invasion. Participants have the opportunity to observe how Ukrainian society responds to today’s challenges and finds effective solutions even in conditions of turbulence.
Publications:
- Theatre in a besieged Ukraine, day 1: writing our own history. Marijn Lems for Theaterkrant (NL). Read.
- Theatre in Ukraine. A 02/2026 Theater der Zeit’s issue, edited by Thomas Irmer (DE). Read.
- Theatre Festival in Kyiv: The Great World Opera. Eberhard Spreng for Deutschlandfunk (DE). Read.
- Ukrainian Culture: On the Path to Cultural Autonomy. Eberhard Spreng for Deutschlandfunk (DE). Read.
- Theater festival amid air raid warnings: is it possible to stage a war-free play while there is war in the country? Lili Takacs for 444.hu (HU). Read.
- How soldiers become actors in the Kyiv Veterans Theatre. Michal Dudon for SME (SK). Read.
- Interview with Oleksandr Rudynskyi, an actor at the Ivan Franko Theatre. Michal Dudon for SME (SK). Read.
- They say there’s no war in Kyiv. We went to see what art looks like in a city under siege. Michal Dudon for SME (SK). Read.
- Bodies resisting through dance. Nina Khyzhna and the war in Kharkiv. Marta Abbà for Mangrovia (IT). Read.
- Whatever the setting, Kyiv takes centre stage. How Ukrainian culture is gearing up for 2026. Marta Abbà for Wired Italia (IT). Read.
The visit was organised by the Ukrainian Institute in partnership with the GRA All-Ukrainian Theatre Festival-Award, and with the informational support of Lviv Media Forum and INDEX.