Introducing an Inclusive Open-Air Theater in Lviv
On September 14 at 7:00 PM, Zamarsynivskyi Park in Lviv will unveil a new inclusive outdoor theater equipped with a fully accessible stage. The opening event will showcase a performance by the Unbroken Rehabilitation Center's resilient theater troupe, followed by a staged reading of Andriy Hirny’s play "To the Light and Back." This project is driven by the Ukrainian-French NGO "Budmo" and is part of an international initiative supported by the European Cultural Foundation.
The Theater of Resilience
The Theater of Resilience is designed using participatory methods and environmentally friendly materials. Veterans, architects, volunteers, and local community members all played a role in bringing this project to life. Admission to the opening ceremony is free, with park access located opposite St. Nicholas Hospital.
The cast performing the play includes:
- Taras Lahno
- Oleksandr Marta
- Nazariy Krasovskyi
- Vyacheslav Moiseyev
- Oleksandr Sokolov
- Oleksandra Shymko
- Katerina Sadova
- Olenka Sira
- Yuriy Hvozdeckiy
- Ruslan Pryhoda
- Viktoriya Khemych
Musical accompaniment will be provided by guitarist Nazariy Krasovskyi, with Svitlana Fedeshova directing the event.
"Many of you know Andriy from his play Lviv 3000. Don't miss this chance to experience new work from this gifted writer. We love the play because it blends humor, tragedy, meaning, and relevance—everything we appreciate in theater."
— Representatives of "Budmo" organization
As part of this occasion, "Budmo" emphasizes the contemporary and meaningful nature of Andriy Hirny’s script. The playwright himself reflected on the work:
"From battle, I arrived There. There, as in war, things are simple and honest: there is Light, and there is Darkness. And There, everything is seen, everything is known, absolutely everything. I would like to return to the Light, if they let me..."
— Andriy Hirny
The launch of this inclusive theater in Lviv highlights the critical role of making culture accessible to people of all backgrounds and abilities. This initiative not only serves the local population but also welcomes anyone eager to engage in cultural life regardless of physical limitations. Projects like this foster social inclusion and elevate cultural awareness, reinforcing community bonds. The active participation of veterans and residents in such endeavors strengthens social ties and enriches the cultural landscape of the city.
As Lviv embraces inclusivity with its new outdoor theater, the city also celebrates the arts through various cultural initiatives. One such event is the recent opening of the POLITE gallery, where the first exhibition highlights the shadows of soldiers in a poignant display. This exhibition serves as a reminder of the profound impact of art in reflecting societal issues, making it a must-see for those interested in contemporary culture.