Underground Theatre in War-Torn Kharkiv Offers Children Escape from Russia's Horrors
In the heart of war-stricken Kharkiv, less than 20 miles from Ukraine's border with Russia, a captivating performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs unfolded recently. This ballet took place deep underground at the Kharkiv State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, even as an air raid warning echoed outside, serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict nearly four years into Russia's full-scale invasion.
A Sanctuary Amidst the Storm
The theatre has transformed into a vital sanctuary for residents weary of constant Kremlin attacks. Despite the proximity to frontline dangers, life and culture persist defiantly in this embattled city. The performance, held on a weekend, offered a magical spectacle that held the audience spellbound, allowing families to momentarily forget the horrors unfolding just beyond the theatre's walls.
Mum Darya Syrova, a 35-year-old English teacher, brought her beaming five-year-old daughter Vasilisa to experience her first ballet. "I'm very impressed. It was very, very beautiful, the costumes, the music, the dancers. It was stunning, marvellous," she expressed. Darya emphasised the importance of such cultural opportunities during wartime, stating, "For these two hours to forget our reality, to dive inside this beauty and forget our reality, what's going on outside this place, that's very important."
The Harsh Reality Outside
Outside the theatre, the reality is grim. Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, has faced devastating Russian assaults, including a recent attack on a residential neighbourhood that reportedly killed six people, including a three-year-old boy, and injured over 30 others. A five-storey apartment was destroyed, leaving gaping holes and rubble as haunting reminders of the violence.
The theatre itself has not escaped unscathed. Director General Dr Igor Tuluzov recounted how in early March 2022, a cluster rocket hit the roof, causing a fire that staff extinguished themselves. "Approximately 20 people lived in the theatre in 2022. These were mainly security guards and technical staff. I lived in the theatre for over a year," he shared, highlighting the precarious conditions.
Resilience and Hope
The theatre's grand 1,500-seat auditorium remains largely empty since a one-off performance in October 2022, with the last show before that on February 23, 2022—the day before Russia's invasion. However, Igor remains hopeful: "We hope that this year we will be able to start working little by little. Maybe not as actively as in peacetime, but we will slowly start working in the main hall."
Underground, a smaller 'loft stage' seating 400 opened in spring 2024, hosting up to 13 shows weekly, including ballet, opera, and concerts. Ballet dancer Sofia Grigoriadi, who played Snow White, believes such performances are crucial during wartime. "I believe that during wartime we need even more performances like this, so that children do not get caught up in adult problems when there is war and the situation in the country is so difficult," she said.
Artistic director Antonina Radievskaya added, "The children are in a protected space, they can't hear anything here, they are watching the performance… They can't hear the shaheds [drones] flying overhead; there's music playing here."
A Mother's Wish for Her Child
Darya Syrova underscored the significance of maintaining cultural activities amidst the conflict. "It helps us to feel alive," she noted. "Now we continue despite all this situation, we continue to develop our children." She hopes her daughter will cherish memories of ballet and theatre rather than bombs and explosions.
"It's only one opportunity to live your childhood, and our life in general. There won't be a second opportunity to spend these years," Darya reflected. "I want her to live in her fairytale world." This underground theatre stands as a beacon of resilience, offering not just entertainment but a vital escape for Kharkiv's youngest residents caught in the crossfire of war.
