In the heart of Kyiv, the DAKH Theater hosted a poignant Playback Theater evening, where audience members shared their personal stories amid the backdrop of ongoing conflict. With air raid sirens echoing outside, 40 attendees gathered to witness a unique blend of improvisational theater and raw emotion, guided by moderator Nata Vainilovich. The performers, five local women, transformed audience emotions—fear, joy, and sorrow—into powerful reenactments, creating a space for catharsis and connection. As stories of loss and resilience unfolded, the event transcended mere entertainment, offering a vital outlet for the community to process their experiences in a time of uncertainty.In the heart of kyiv, a unique initiative called PlayBack Theater is providing a vital space for individuals affected by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine to share their stories and connect with one another. Founded by Nata Vainilovich, PlayBack serves as a platform for participants to express their experiences of loss, displacement, and resilience, fostering a sense of community amidst the chaos. As stories of loved ones lost and memories of bombed hometowns emerge, the theater becomes a therapeutic outlet, allowing participants to process their emotions in a supportive surroundings. Vainilovich emphasizes the importance of discussing difficult topics,transforming the theater into a beacon of hope and understanding in these challenging times.fangen hat die Sozialarbeiterin mit marginalisierten Gesellschaftsgruppen und körperlich beeinträchtigten personen. daraus wurde eine NGO.Und dann kam der Krieg – und nach einer Woche russischer Invasion habe sie gedacht: „wieso nicht auch jetzt? “ Und ist zu dem Schluss gekommen: „Gerade jetzt“ Die ersten Sessions gab es in U-Bahn-Stationen – unter Beschuss.
unterstützt wird die NGO heute unter anderem vom deutschen Forum ZFD. Ähnliche Gruppen, die Theater, Pantomime oder Tanz als Kommunikationsmittel einsetzen, gibt es heute überall.
Es gibt zwar etwas sicherere Regionen im Land, aber grundsätzlich erreichen russische Drohnen, Raketen und Marschflugkörper alle Landesteile. Hinzu kommen täglich geäußerte Gewaltfantasien im russischen Staatsfernsehen, wo regelmäßig die Auslöschung der ukraine detailreich beschworen wird. Und nach fast drei Jahren Krieg gegen die Ukraine zeigt sich, wie sich ein solcher permanenter Stresspegel auswirkt.
Oksana Korolevych ist Psychologin, betreut psychosoziale Projekte, arbeitet auch mit der UNO zusammen.Sie sagt: „Nach allen bekannten Maßstäben ist all das, was hier in der Ukraine tagtäglich passiert, viel zu viel in viel zu kurzer Zeit, um es zu verarbeiten.“ Oksana Korolevych berichtet von hohen Suizidraten,von einem sprunghaften Anstieg an Depressionen,von einer hohen Anzahl an Scheidungen,von Entfremdung in paarbeziehungen durch Militärdienst,Traumata oder Flucht,von Aufmerksamkeitsdefiziten bei kindern.
Da seien die Härtefälle: Menschen etwa, die in russischer Gefangenschaft zum Teil jahrelang extreme Folter erlebt haben.Oder Opfer sexueller Gewalt. Menschen aller Altersgruppen und geschlechter seien das, die zum Teil nicht mehr sprechen würden. Da seien vor allem aber eben auch all die anderen: Menschen, die ein auf den ersten Blick normales und sicheres Leben etwa in Kiew führten, die im Alltag aber doch ständig Luftangriffen ausgesetzt seien, die dieses Extrem aber nicht mehr bewusst als ein solches wahrnehmen würden.
Oksana Korolevych fasst so zusammen: Es gebe zwei Arten von Stress. Den akuten Stress,wenn es wo einschlage,jemand sterbe,wenn etwas unmittelbar passiere. Diesem Stress seien vor allem Menschen direkt an der Front oder in Städten wie Charkiw, Kherson, Saporischschja oder Mykolaiv ständig oder fast ständig ausgesetzt. Und dann gebe es den chronischen Stress, der immer da sei, der aber nicht unbedingt immer unmittelbar sichtbar sei und auch verdrängt werde. So würden Menschen in Kiew heute zum Beispiel kaum mehr auf Flugalarme reagieren, diese kleinreden und sagen: „Ah, das ist ja nur eine Drohne.“ Sie kenneIn a poignant evening at the DAKH Theater in Ukraine, the power of creativity and art emerged as a vital means of healing amidst ongoing turmoil. Participants engaged in various forms of expression—ranging from theater to dance—reflecting a deep-rooted cultural resilience shaped by generations of adversity. As attendees shared laughter and stories, they also honored the memories of those lost, creating a communal space for reflection and connection. “It’s a way for us to heal,” remarked one participant, likening the experience to a therapeutic massage that eases pain and tension.This gathering not only showcased the therapeutic potential of the arts but also highlighted the importance of empathy in understanding diverse life experiences.As the ongoing conflict in Ukraine continues to inflict deep psychological scars on its population, innovative therapeutic approaches are emerging to address the widespread trauma. PlayBack Theater, a unique form of creative therapy, allows participants to reenact their experiences, providing a powerful outlet for expression and healing.While not classified strictly as therapy, this method integrates elements of psychotherapy and performance, enabling individuals to explore different roles and narratives.In Kyiv, mental health professionals are increasingly focused on treating war-related trauma, yet the demand for services far exceeds availability. To meet this urgent need, numerous Help Points have been established, offering accessible psychosocial support and creative programs to those in high-risk areas, fostering resilience and community healing amidst the turmoil.
Time.news Editor: Welcome! today, we have the astounding opportunity to discuss the remarkable work being done in Kyiv through Playback Theater.Wiht us is Nata Vainilovich, the founder and moderator for the DAKH Theater’s Playback Theater initiative. Nata, could you share what motivated you to start this project in such a challenging habitat?
Nata Vainilovich: Thank you for having me. The motivation came from a deep understanding of the emotional toll that the ongoing conflict takes on individuals. Shortly after the Russian invasion began in 2022, I realized that many people needed a space to express their grief, loss, and even their moments of joy amid the chaos. We initially began sessions in subway stations—places often used as shelters during air raids—because we knew that art could offer a cathartic outlet even in the bleakest of circumstances.
Time.news Editor: That’s incredibly insightful. Your performances evidently blend improvisational theater and shared narratives. With air raid sirens often echoing outside, how do you create a safe and supportive environment for participants to share such deeply personal stories?
Nata Vainilovich: Creating safety is paramount. We start each session by emphasizing the importance of confidentiality and mutual respect.The performers, who are often local women, are trained to listen and respond empathetically. The improvisational aspect allows them to transform audience emotions—fear, joy, sorrow—into reenactments that can definitely help participants see their experiences reflected back at them, thereby fostering connection and understanding.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a powerful community-building exercise. How do you perceive the role of theater in offering resilience and hope during a time of conflict?
Nata Vainilovich: Theater, especially Playback Theater, serves as a beacon of hope. It helps individuals not only process their experiences but also find strength in community. Sharing stories of loss and resilience creates a bond; attendees realize they are not alone in their struggles. We witness profound moments of catharsis, and sometimes even laughter, amidst the tears. This emotional exchange shows that despite the horrors we face, there remains a human capacity for resilience.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned that this initiative has garnered support from various organizations, such as the German Forum ZFD. How has this collaboration enhanced your ability to support the community?
Nata Vainilovich: The support from organizations such as the German Forum ZFD has been crucial. They provide resources and expertise that help us expand our reach and improve our methods. This collaboration enriches our programs and enables us to offer even more support to those impacted by the conflict. We are not alone in this endeavor; there are many groups using various forms of art as communication tools across Ukraine, so we’re part of a larger tapestry of healing through creativity.
Time.news Editor: It’s reassuring to know that amidst such turmoil, initiatives like yours are providing critical emotional support. As you continue your work, what future do you envision for Playback Theater in Kyiv and possibly beyond?
Nata Vainilovich: I envision Playback Theater growing into a more established framework that could be replicated in other conflict-affected regions. More than healing, I see it as a platform for broader societal dialogue about trauma and recovery.We want to inspire hope and promote understanding not just within Ukraine but perhaps in other areas facing similar crises. Art, in all its forms, has the power to connect, heal, and galvanize communities toward a better future.
Time.news Editor: thank you, Nata, for this inspiring conversation. The impact of your work is profound, and it encapsulates the power of art to heal and unite people even in the direst situations.
Nata’s insights from the heart of Kyiv truly reflect the resilience and strength of the human spirit, a message that is vital in times like these.