In brief
Olesia Korzhenevska's acting class in Kyiv provides young Ukrainians, like Sasha Suchyk, an opportunity to escape the harsh realities of war and express themselves through performance.
In a time marked by conflict and uncertainty, a group of teenagers in Kyiv is rediscovering hope through the magic of theater. Olesia Korzhenevska, an acting teacher, initiated a summer program aimed at uplifting spirits and igniting dreams among young people impacted by the war in Ukraine. “This is a course for happy children, free in their thoughts and dreams,” she announced on social media last spring.With the pandemic and the ongoing conflict forcing many teens into isolation, finding students willing to engage was no easy feat. However, shortly after her post, a breakthrough occurred. A mother reached out about her son, Sasha Suchyk, who had previously faced challenges, including dropping out of the same program due to mental health struggles stemming from the war. Sasha had spent most of the past year in a mental health facility, grappling with severe depression. Yet, the desire to join the acting class sparked a flicker of hope. As they rehearse for their original play titled "It’s okay!", these teens are not just learning lines; they are building connections, navigating emotions, and dreaming of brighter days, reminding all of us that creativity can be a powerful means of healing even in the darkest times.
