Themes by tag: culture

Andrii Smyk, a professional military sniper, dedicated many years to service, taking part in combat operations from 2014 to 2020. He rejoined active duty shortly before the full-scale invasion, defending the Kyiv oblast before moving to protect the Kharkiv and Donetsk oblasts. During his service, he suffered several injuries and concussions. In 2023, he returned to his hometown of Irpin for health reasons.

Inspired by childhood memories of his grandfather Mykola, a skilled woodworker, Andrii founded the eco-friendly workshop “Funny Owls” in the summer of 2024.

Together with his team, they create kitchenware, children’s toys, phone stands, candle holders, puzzles, alphabet sets and custom-made items. Discounts are available on all orders for military personnel and their families.

• culture
• military
• Kyiv

Oleksandr Laptii, a 50-year-old Ukrainian actor known for his roles in films like The Rising Hawk, The Fight Rules, and Cherkasy, has taken on a prominent role in the sequel to the cult video game S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. A longtime fan of the game series, Laptii was invited by the casting team to contribute as a model for 3D animation, bringing one of the game’s central characters to life. Filming began in early 2022 but was abruptly halted after just a few days due to russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

In the summer of 2023, Laptii joined the 12th Azov Special Forces Brigade, where he earned the call sign “Sei.” Despite his new military role, he received permission from his commanders later that year to resume his work on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. Production restarted in November, and Laptii rejoined the team to complete his contributions.

On November 20, after a 15-year wait, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 was finally released to fans worldwide.

Laptii is available for interviews, both online and in person, with prior approval from Azov’s press service.

• culture
• military

On November 22, the Media Center of Ukraine will hold a press conference “Map of Valor and Memories: Honoring Ukraine’s Heritage”

Ukraine lacks prominent landmarks of national heroism and memorials marking significant achievements. Moreover, these historical sites remain largely unknown, as the roads leading to them are often not even paved.

The heroization of a nation and its people is an essential part of social development and education of younger generations. To address this need, NGO Ukraine Incognita, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has created a comprehensive map of valor and memory. The initiative also includes the installation of informative stands at key locations to preserve and celebrate this heritage.

Participants: 

 – Roman Malenkov, Chairman of the Board, “Ukraine Incognita” NGO; 

 – Maksym Plakhotnyi, Executive Director of “Ukraine Incognita” NGO; 

 – Andriy Yarovyi, Technical Director of “Ukraine Incognita” NGO; 

 – Andrii Kobylianskyi, historian (online)

• culture
• Kyiv

The media are invited to participate in the events of the exhibition “We Cannot Be Defeated” dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Orange Revolution. The exhibition will be opened on November 22 in Kyiv with the participation of the third President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko.

On November 22, there will also be a discussion with key figures of these historic events: the third President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko, the “Voice of Maidan”, the People’s Artist of Ukraine Yevhen Nyshchuk, the historian Oleksandr Zinchenko, the singer Maria Burmaka, and the General Director of the Maidan Museum Ihor Poshyvailo.

The discussion will take place in the main hall of the Ukrainian House, within the thematic exhibition space. Visitors will have the opportunity to relive the most vivid moments of the Orange Revolution, see artifacts from the Maidan Museum collection, and share their own thoughts and memories.

On November 23, journalists are invited to a public interview with Viktor Yushchenko called “A Conversation of Generations”. This event will highlight the perspectives of different generations on one of the key events in Ukraine’s modern history, the Orange Revolution.

Accreditation is required for this event. 

Background:

The Orange Revolution was a series of protests by Ukrainian citizens sparked by massive fraud in the 2004 presidential election that favored government-backed candidate Viktor Yanukovych. The events were named after the color used by supporters of presidential candidate Viktor Yushchenko and the opposition party Our Ukraine. (The Orange Revolution began in November 2004).

• culture
• Kyiv

Before the full-scale invasion began, Liudmyla Porfilenko lived in Kurakhove, Donetsk oblast, worked as a nurse at a local school, and in her spare time made toys and jewelry in a small workshop she set up in her apartment. Liudmyla’s husband was a doctor, and together they raised three children.

On February 24, 2022, Liudmyla could not believe that a great war had begun. But by the third week of the invasion, her family decided to evacuate. They packed their children, two dogs, and canisters of gasoline into the car. They took only a change of clothes and some of Liudmyla’s craft supplies. The family made their way to the Volyn oblast, choosing it on the advice of acquaintances who had evacuated from Donetsk oblast in 2014.

Later her parents were also evacuated to Volyn. Liudmyla’s husband found a job in a local hospital, and she revived her small studio. She starts working early in the morning, sewing toys and making jewelry from precious stones. She sells her creations on social media or through acquaintances. Some of her handmade dolls have traveled the world, with orders from France, Germany and England. Liudmyla also holds wool felting workshops for children.

You can speak with Liudmyla either online or in person by appointment.

Background: Kurakhove is currently under heavy fighting, and most of the population has fled the city.

• culture
• women
• Lutsk
• evacuation

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Orange Revolution and the 11th anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity.  The program includes exhibitions, thematic tours, public discussions, and a meeting series titled Evolution of Revolutions. A key highlight is the academic forum Revolution of Dignity: Towards History Dates – 2024, hosted by the National Memorial Complex of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes – Museum of the Revolution of Dignity.  

On November 21, an interfaith prayer for Ukraine and its freedom fighters will be held, followed by the ringing of the Dignity Bell and a ceremony to honor fallen defenders. Flowers will be laid, and candles will be lit at the portraits of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes.  

The events will be broadcast live on the Maidan Museum’s Facebook page.  

The initiative is organized by the National Museum of the Revolution of Dignity and Kyiv Three Saints Theological Seminary of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, with support from the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Kyiv City State Administration, and the NGO Families of the Heavenly Hundred.  

For reference: The Dignity and Freedom Day commemorates the anniversaries of two pivotal moments in Ukraine’s history: the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity in 2013.

• culture
• Kyiv

The highlight of the day will be the unveiling of the ‘Wall of Resilience and Invincibility’ at National Children’s Specialized Hospital “Okhmatdyt”, Ukraine’s leading paediatric clinic. This artistic installation symbolizes the unyielding spirit and unity of the Ukrainian people and pays tribute to the medical professionals who continue to save lives under the most challenging wartime conditions.  

The wall, located at a site damaged by russian attacks, tells the stories of those who have worked tirelessly to rebuild the country since the first days of the war. Created by volunteers and Ukrainian artists, it embodies hope, strength, and a shared belief in ultimate victory.  

Accreditation is required for journalists covering the event.

• culture
• russian crimes
• volunteers
• Kyiv

On November 19, the Kyiv War Museum will host Light a Fire, a solemn event to mark the 1,000th day of the war. A thousand candles will be lit at the base of the iconic Motherland monument, followed by a unified prayer for Ukraine.  

The event aims to honor those who have sacrificed their lives for the country and to extend gratitude to those still defending it. 

Journalists planning to attend are required to secure accreditation.

• culture
• russian crimes
• Kyiv

A piece by renowned British street artist Banksy, originally painted in Hostomel, has been relocated to the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Monastery National Reserve. The graffiti, created in the aftermath of the Kyiv region’s liberation, portrays a woman in loungewear holding a fire extinguisher and wearing a gas mask. It quickly became a powerful symbol of resilience and renewal.

Shortly after its creation, the mural narrowly escaped theft when someone attempted to remove a section of the wall it was painted on. The artwork was salvaged and is now preserved within the Kyivan Caves Monastery’s grounds. While its exact location within the monastery has not been revealed, staff have invited visitors to explore and share their discoveries on social media.

• culture
• Kyiv

On November 11, Kyiv will host the debut of Shevchenko 2.0, a show-performance by the Kharkiv Academic Berezil Theater. Blending history with modernity, the production draws inspiration from the personal diaries of Ukrainian national poet Taras Shevchenko. Through a mix of life events, theatrical expression, avant-garde music, and pop tributes to Great Kobzar’s poetry, the show promises a dynamic reimagining of the poet’s legacy. EL Kravchuk, a celebrated Ukrainian singer, not only plays a pivotal role in the production but also co-developed the concept with academic and physicist Borys Hryniov. The performance combines poignant lyrics with black humor and features original compositions alongside pop homages to Shevchenko’s works, all performed by Kravchuk.

Although rooted in documentary material, Shevchenko 2.0 is staged as a phantasmagoria, incorporating bold theatrical techniques. The production features video projections, elaborate set designs, and chic costumes, creating a visually stunning and energetic spectacle.

The creative team includes: 

• Borys Hryniov – Concept creator and lyricist. An Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Doctor of Technical Sciences, and Professor.

• Dmytro Ternovyi – Playwright. Winner of numerous playwriting competitions, including international accolades. His works have been published and staged in Austria, Germany, France, Poland, and Ukraine.

• Oleksandr Kovshun – Director. With 27 productions in his repertoire, he has collaborated with seven Ukrainian theaters and three international cultural institutions. His accolades include two theater awards and participation in 35 festivals across 10 countries.

• Kostiantyn Ponomariov – Production designer. Renowned as Kharkiv’s leading fashion designer, as well as a prominent set designer and art critic.

• Mykhailo Tereshchenko and EL Kravchuk – Performers portraying Taras Shevchenko.

For reference: The Kharkiv Academic Ukrainian Drama Theatre, originally named Berezil, is among Ukraine’s oldest cultural institutions. Established in Kyiv in 1922 by visionary director Les Kurbas, the theater was transferred to Kharkiv in 1926 when the city served as Ukraine’s capital.

Kurbas, a trailblazer in Ukrainian theater, was dismissed in 1933 under accusations of “distorting” optimistic Soviet ideals. He, along with playwright Mykola Kulish, was executed in the Sandarmokh forest on November 3, 1937, during Stalin’s purges.

Despite its proximity to the russian border, ongoing war, and reduced state funding, the theater continues to innovate under chief director Stepan Pasichnyk, producing new works, securing grant-funded projects, and performing for Ukrainian defenders. 

• culture
• Kyiv