On April 13, a closed premiere of the documentary play “The bomb shelter: is it possible to survive?” took place in the bomb shelter of the Odesa National Academic Theater of Opera and Ballet. This project was implemented thanks to a grant from the European Union under the scholarship program Eastern Partnership Civil Society Facility, work on it lasted for 7 months. 10 interviews were selected from respondents from different parts of Ukraine, whose stories became the material for the formation of the play. Each of the stories has a unique perspective on a common tragedy.
The performance highlights the experience of Ukrainians building their lives in shelters during missile attacks, occupation and threats of nuclear war.

As part of the event, the phenomenon of a bomb shelter is explored – more precisely, how a bomb shelter is transformed from a nominal location into a shelter from death, a guarantee of a sense of security. The reactions of Ukrainians to staying within the walls of the shelter and the variety of practices allowed within its borders are also studied.
The performance to some extent follows the tradition of the Verbatim theater – the interview is used as a document that cannot be changed or supplemented. On the other hand, the method of absurdity of actions becomes an important staging tool, because this is the only way to convey the dissonance of our time.

In addition, this project aims to perform a therapeutic function. The audience, who also witness a full-scale invasion, work through shared traumas with the actors through the conscious contemplation of someone else’s military experience. During the performance, a space of solidarity and understanding is created between those present. The audience identifies with the actors – and this allows them to sublimate their negative emotions and reflect their own reactions.
The event was attended by well-known theater critics, cultural figures, officials, as well as ambassadors of friendly countries.

Organizers:
Public organization “Art-workshop Bloom”. Department of Culture, International Cooperation and European Integration of the Odesa City Council.
Director: Andrii Liubov
Curator: Andriy Mai
Assistant director: Diana Fabiian
Actors: Mark Pan, Yulia Kharchuk, Olena Shavruk, Anastasia Pozhivatenko, Igor Penzenskyi
Extras: Anzhelika Vlyubchak, Serhiy Gulyuk
Consultant: Hanna Misyun
Designer: Yevhen Kharakhash
Photographer: Yulia Nazarenko
Videographers: Artur Sadovnikov, Olena Kutinova, Dmytro Prykhodny.