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The airstrike on the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater in Mariupol on March 16 marked a devastating chapter in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. At the time of the attack, the theater was bustling with activity as civilians sought refuge from relentless assaults by Russian military forces. Estimates of casualties vary significantly, but legal experts assert substantial evidence indicating that this aerial attack qualifies as a war crime.
Despite the Russian government’s denial of responsibility, eyewitness accounts suggest that the strike was carried out by Russian forces. Nearly four years later, local authorities, now under Russian administration, claim to have renovated the theater, transforming it into a modern venue that can accommodate up to 500 guests. However, this reopening has ignited profound outrage among Ukrainians who have fled the city, viewing it as an act of desecration rather than a restoration of cultural heritage.
The painful legacy of the theater
Ihor Kytrysh, an actor who has graced the stage of the Mariupol theater since 2000, encapsulates the sentiments of many when he states, “It feels like performing on the bones of the dead.” This statement reflects the trauma associated with the theater, where many lost their lives during the tragic bombing. The emotional weight of reopening such a site is not lost on those who lived through the horrors of that day.
Continuing the art of storytelling
As plans are made for the theater’s grand reopening, with performances set to resume early in the new year, the current theater troupe is finding ways to keep the spirit of storytelling alive. They are performing at various locations while navigating the ongoing challenges posed by the conflict. Their production, entitled Mariupol Drama, seeks to recount the harrowing experiences of survivors and the profound grief felt by those who had no choice but to abandon their homeland.
Kytrysh, who now resides in Uzhhorod, emphasizes that the theater should serve as a memorial to the victims rather than a stage for entertainment. He notes that many actors and staff have chosen to remain in Mariupol despite the risks posed by the ongoing occupation, illustrating the complex emotions tied to their homeland.
Contrasting narratives on restoration
Russian state media heralds the theater’s reconstruction as a symbol of resilience and revival in Mariupol, claiming that hundreds of workers have labored diligently to preserve the historic facade while modernizing the interior. The building has been renamed the Mariupol Republican Order of the Badge of Honour Russian Drama Theatre, further entrenching the narrative of a city reborn from the ashes of war. However, this perspective starkly contrasts with the views of those who have fled the area.
Voices of dissent
Former residents like Serhii Kesarev, who lived near the theater during the bombing, describe it as the heart of Mariupol, a cultural cornerstone that cannot simply be restored without acknowledging the tragedy it witnessed. He recounts the grim aftermath of the strike, where bodies lay unclaimed on the streets, a haunting reminder of the violence that unfolded. Kesarev asserts that attending festivities in the newly renovated theater would feel inappropriate, given its tragic history.
The emotional scars left by the war complicate the narrative surrounding the theater’s reopening. While some see it as an opportunity to reclaim cultural space, others view it as an affront to the memories of those who perished. The theater’s website acknowledges a previous building destroyed during World War II, drawing parallels between past and present hardships faced by the community.
The geopolitical implications
The reopening of the theater is not just a local issue; it resonates on a broader geopolitical scale. As diplomatic tensions continue between Russia and Ukraine, the restoration of such a significant cultural site becomes a battleground for narratives of resilience versus loss. Russian-appointed officials downplay the concerns of Ukrainians, likening the theater’s reopening to the historical rebuildings seen in cities like Berlin and Paris.
In a world where the stakes of cultural identity are intertwined with national narratives, the fate of Mariupol’s theater reflects the ongoing struggle for memory and recognition in a post-war landscape. As the theater prepares to welcome audiences, it stands not only as a venue for performances but as a poignant reminder of the lives affected by conflict.