🇪🇺 TEEN European Digital Community: Hybrid Tree of Frontline Art from Kharkiv, Ukraine

Hybrid Tree of Frontline Art

I am a Ukrainian teen living in a city near the frontline, actively volunteering both at art events and in support work connected to defense against Russian occupation. I love my people, I love art, and I want to share that love and be embraced by it. I want to hear and be heard, and I’m looking forward to what the future brings. Art has helped me stay connected to reality and to myself, especially through difficult times.

The soil / the need

At this point, I feel I need more experiences — my own experiences, and experiences I can share with other people, places, and living creatures.

The first seed

A performance you watched.

Tell us about that first spark

The performance that truly changed things for me was “Someone Like Me” by Nafta Theatre. I had already been around theatre for years — drama clubs, the Irish program Fighting Words for playwrights, and general creative involvement — but that exact performance led me deeper. I saw it and recognized something in the language of theatre that I wanted to learn and speak. After that, I became fully immersed: participating more, getting closer to Nafta Theatre, joining trainings, and entering NaftaLab. I’m also strongly influenced by Kharkiv Puppet Theatre, both visually and directionally.

Roots (people & experiences that shaped your path)

Two theatres formed me as a more conscious theatre person: Nafta Theatre (especially Nina Khizhna) and Kharkiv Puppet Theatre, where I volunteer with crafts and decorations. Mykola Naboka also influenced me through trainings and performances.

The trunk (what keeps you in theatre)

The unique way theatre combines different artistic streams. It lets me process and reflect feelings in such a full way. I’m fascinated by the amount of detail and emotion that can come together to express something you need to shout about.

Branches (future / desire)

I want to enter university to study as a puppet theatre actress, continue experimental projects, and work side by side with other theatres to help society reflect on difficult experiences.

If you were a tree, what kind of tree would you be? Why?

A hybrid tree that combines features of many trees — with good branches for climbing, homes for animals and birds, colorful leaves, and little things hanging from it like dream catchers or wind chimes. A living, creative shelter.