🇪🇺 TEEN European Digital Community: Lemon Tree of Improvisation from Cherkasy, Ukraine

Lemon Tree of Improvisation

I’m an active, curious person — almost a hyper-activist, as people like to say: “Alona, you’re everywhere.” I love trying new things (except harmful ones), from stand-up to filmmaking, from government youth organizations to yoga practices. I adore nature and being outdoors — it makes me feel lighter and clears my mind. Stars, sunflowers, the sun, and the sea all feel connected to who I am. My life goal is to have no regrets, and I try to live fully with that in mind.

The soil / the need

At first, I was trying to understand how to feel in a character. I could “be” the character externally, but I didn’t always catch the feeling inside. I became fascinated by the question: How am I supposed to feel? Then my mentor told me: “Just feel like you are the character — feel like it, breathe like it, think like it.” I tried, and it changed everything.

The first seed

An art retreat camp (ArtTherapyForce). Spending 11 days there brought me closer to theatre, improvisation, and contemporary dance — and to moving my body more freely.

Tell us about that first spark

I felt the spark when I experienced freedom in improvisation. In those moments, I felt free in my actions and somehow knew what to do. It gave me “sparks in my eyes” — the feeling that I could trust myself and the moment.

Roots (people & experiences that shaped your path)

My acting mentor, Yaroslav Voitenko, has been central to my path. He supported me at every step as I learned to feel free and fearless on stage. Nataliya, his wife, was also very supportive and had a way of explaining things in “my language,” which helped me understand and grow.

The trunk (what keeps you in theatre)

What keeps me connected is the freedom of action. I want to discover more situations where I can use improvisation and feel that the whole scene is my space to create.

Branches (future / desire)

In a few years, I hope I will be the one giving roles to actors — and writing at least three plays.

Are you currently involved in cultural activities?

Yes, sometimes.

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

A lemon tree. What I produce may be fascinating, but not everyone likes it — and that’s okay; the legends do 🙂 I adore lemons, and I feel that if I were a tree, I would definitely be a lemon tree.

Contact

Instagram: @alelephant_