Just a few months ago, Kyiv was on the frontline of a full-blown military invasion. And while the focus of Russia’s war in Ukraine may have since moved elsewhere, the city continues to be regularly rocked by explosions and airstrikes. Life in the Ukrainian capital certainly isn’t back to normal.
Despite all that, one local theatre company in Kyiv is determined to keep giving a platform to local performers. It’s running a festival called PRO.ACT, which is both an English-language international celebration of theatre and an invitation for theatre-lovers the world over to show solidarity with Ukraine.
Alongside Ukrainian performers, PRO.ACT’s actors and workshops also hail from the USA, UK and Australia. The shows range from classics like Chekhov’s ‘The Seagull’ and Webster’s ‘The Duchess of Malfi’ to newer and more contemporary shows. The theme of the fest is, appropriately enough, ‘unbreakable’.
Best of all, however, is just how much PRO.ACT is trying to get audiences involved from all over the world. The entire festival is available to stream online for anyone, anywhere – and it’s all completely free. Viewers are encouraged to donate on Patreon, with all proceeds going to local performers and the Ukrainian war effort.
PRO.ACT started last Saturday (August 13) and lasts until this Sunday (August 21). You can watch the festival on Scenesaver here and donate to PRO.ACT’s Patreon here.
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