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The war in Ukraine is raging, Russia wants to advance further in the east.
In other parts of the country, people are trying to get a little bit of everyday life back.
In the war-torn city of Mykolaiv, the big theater is closed, but people know how to help themselves.
Photo: DIMITAR DILKOFF / AFP
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They converted an underground bunker into a small theater.
The premiere took place last Thursday.
A pianist accompanied the evening.
Photo: UMIT BEKTAS / REUTERS
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A few dozen theatergoers descended the steep concrete stairs into the underground space to see the Mykolayiv Theater's performance.
Photo: UMIT BEKTAS / REUTERS
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“Of course, many performances have been canceled because some male actors have gone off to war and others have gone abroad as temporary refugees.
So our theater troupe has become smaller,” said actress Violeta Mamykina.
An installation shows photos of the men.
Photo: UMIT BEKTAS / REUTERS
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An actress is rehearsing her role in the underground of the theater.
Photo: DIMITAR DILKOFF / AFP
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Actors and actresses are waiting for their performance in the dressing room.
Photo: UMIT BEKTAS / REUTERS
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A few minutes, then she goes on stage.
Photo: DIMITAR DILKOFF / AFP
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As much effort was put into the costumes as in times of peace.
Photo: DIMITAR DILKOFF / AFP
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Spectators in the improvised hall.
Theater director Artem Svystun described the performance as "art therapy" intended to give locals who stayed in the city a brief respite from the hardships of war.
Photo: DIMITAR DILKOFF / AFP
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Actresses wait in the dark of the theater.
Photo:
UMIT BEKTAS / REUTERS
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A few dozen people were able to see the performance.
Photo: DIMITAR DILKOFF / AFP
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Finally back in the limelight: The premiere was a success - simply because it was able to take place.
Spectators Levhen Studzinskyi was satisfied.
"When I went outside I just said, plain and simple, that it was fun," he said. "There were tears.
There was food for thought.
There was a philosophy, depth.
I felt really good.«
Photo:
DIMITAR DILKOFF / AFP
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End: An actress leaves the underground after the play.
Photo: UMIT BEKTAS / REUTERS
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A look at the theater in Mykolaiv: It is of course still unclear when art will be allowed back onto the big stage.
Photo: UMIT BEKTAS / REUTERS