Where Civilians Are Hunted, Theater Endures: Kherson to Host International Festival
The Melpomena Tavrii festival returns to Kherson despite relentless Russian attacks. Festival President Oleksandr Knyha tells Kyiv Post why theater remains essential in a city under fire, how performances in shelters give residents hope, and why maintaining international cultural ties is part of Ukraine’s resistance and its determination to rebuild.
The 28th Melpomena Tavrii International Theatre Festival is set to take place from September 12 to 19 in Kherson, Ukraine, despite the ongoing Russian war. This annual event, founded in 1999, has presented 610 productions by around 230 theaters from over 100 cities across more than 20 countries. Festival president and artistic director of the Mykola Kulish Kherson Theatre, Oleksandr Knyha, spoke to the Kyiv Post about the importance of keeping the festival in Kherson and the role of theater in the city.
Knyha emphasized that Melpomena Tavrii has become a symbol of resistance in Kherson, reflecting the city's identity even before the full-scale war. He explained that the team had to create a format that allowed friends to participate remotely and helped tell the world about the situation in their city. The festival itself has been badly damaged, with the theater building being heavily damaged and shelled.
However, Knyha insisted that the festival would not be canceled, even if one person attended, as it served as therapy for those present.
The festival has also taken the story of Kherson abroad. In a recent performance at the Mostra Internacional de Teatro in Portugal, a monodrama titled "One-Day Hero" was presented. The play, based on Volodymyr Tuka's play "Play22," tells the story of a Kherson veteran who witnessed the occupation, left the city, and joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine to defend his country.
The performance touched international audiences, with the Portuguese jury creating a special award for Ukraine and giving an award for best direction to Knyha's team.
As Kherson faces another difficult winter, the humanitarian situation affects the festival's work. The city's thermal power plant has been destroyed, making it challenging to maintain the necessary resources for performances. However, Knyha and his team have found ways to adapt, using stoves provided by German benefactors and creating a ritual of warmth and hospitality for attendees.
This year, the festival will link Mykolaiv City Day with Kherson City Day, offering a refuge for artists and a large stage for performances. Melpomena Tavrii continues to maintain its international character, with Georgia, Portugal, Turkey, and potentially Poland joining the festival this year.
Written by urgent.news from Kyiv Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
