🇪🇺 TEEN European Digital Community: Magnolia Tree from Kyiv, Ukraine

Magnolia Tree

I am Anastasiia from Ukraine. I am a first year university student studying Computer Science at the best university in my country. Even though my major is technical I have both a humanist and a technical mindset. I really need to express my creativity through projects like this and meet like minded people. I am a very active and friendly person who loves connecting with others. I researched local folklore and organized school events. I am also very sporty playing volleyball and walking a lot. I come from a big family so I know how to work in a team and respect others. My hobbies include video editing and cooking. I am always open to learning new things sharing positive energy and combining my logical skills with art.

The soil / the need

I first went to the theatre when I was 12 years old to see the classic Ukrainian play Natalka Poltavka. That performance really captivated me because it showed our national creativity culture and unique Ukrainian spirit. It gave me very pleasant and warm emotions. That moment inspired me so much that I started going to the theatre regularly. I was looking for that special living energy and a way to feel connected to my roots.

The first seed

A teacher / school

Tell us about that first spark

The first real spark was exactly during that performance of Natalka Poltavka when I was 12. It really captivated me because it showed our culture so beautifully. That performance caused very pleasant emotions inside me and I was incredibly inspired. I saw how a story can share the Ukrainian color and spirit with the audience. After that moment theatre became important for me and I continued going to different plays and concerts to feel that magic again.

Roots (people & experiences that shaped your path)

The most important roots for me are my Ukrainian culture and my family. My research in the Junior Academy of Sciences about the folklore of Kosenivka village helped me understand how deep our cultural traditions go. Every performance I watched showed me different sides of my heritage. Also my big family taught me how to listen to different people and my school community supported my first steps when I organized our school Teachers Day concert. All these experiences shaped my path.

The trunk (what keeps you in theatre)

I stay connected to cultural activities because of the amazing energy exchange between the stage and the audience. Whether I am watching a show or managing a school concert I love the feeling when different people share one big emotion. The beauty of live performance and the positive feedback from people keep me inspired. Even when my life gets very busy or difficult theatre is a place where I can relax feel real empathy and find new motivation to keep going.

Branches (future / desire)

I believe that theatre is something that artificial intelligence or machines will never be able to replace. Theatre creates incredible feelings and true empathy between people. No computer can copy the real passion the hard work of the actors and the live picture that you see on stage. In the future I think we will see many new genres and formats but the theatre itself will never disappear. I hope that in the next years theatre will continue to be a place where we can feel real human emotions.

Are you currently involved in cultural activities?

Yes, sometimes

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

If I were a tree I would definitely be a magnolia. This tree really inspires me with its incredible appearance and it is a true symbol of tenderness and beauty. A magnolia looks very gentle and artistic but it also has a strong life energy to bloom so beautifully every spring. This reflects my character because I try to bring beauty and positive emotions to the people around me but I am also resilient inside. I want to grow in a creative environment and inspire others just like this tree inspires me.

Contact

Instagram: @anstxm