In Washington, D.C., in the unique underground space Dupont Underground, together with Ukrainian partners, presented the theatrical play “Trumpeter” based on the play by Inna Goncharova and a photo exhibition dedicated to pre-war and wartime Mariupol.
This was reported by Ukraine House та United Help Ukraine.
“The play takes the viewer to an underground shelter in Mariupol in 2022, where the last living member of the Ukrainian military orchestra is hiding from Russian bombing. The industrial space of Underground, combined with live music, brings the reality of war extremely close,” the report says.
As reported, on January 22, the Alliance for New Music-Theatre, The New Music Theatre Project and the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States, together with United Help Ukraine, presented the Ukrainian Project in Washington, D.C., an immersive theater project in the Dupont Underground. “The Trumpet” is an exciting and interactive performance that has become a powerful reminder: Ukraine is fighting for the peace it deserves.
The production was carried out by world-renowned Hungarian director János Sás. The performance features actors Michael Kevin Darnall and Liz Bruno, and musical accompaniment is provided by trumpeter Kevin McKee together with a vocal ensemble of Ukrainian men.
“This full-fledged stage performance is another event in our ongoing work with the works of Ukrainian playwrights, which brings the distant but real suffering of Ukrainians in the fourth year of the Russian invasion closer to the viewer,” noted concluded.
A separate part of the event was the photo exhibition. United Help Ukraine also presented a photo exhibition by photojournalist Allan Mestel, which combines visual storytelling with UHU’s humanitarian work across Ukraine. An exhibition of pre-war and wartime Mariupol is also on display. Among the exhibits are photographs of the city’s defender Dmytro “Orest” Kozatsky, as well as the work of Sigma TV cameraman Viktor Didov, who died at the hands of Russian occupiers. The photos were provided by his widow, Natalia Dubchak. Experienced cameraman Viktor Didov had been filming life in his city for many years. In February 2022, he decided to stay in Mariupol, documenting the unfolding tragedy, even as sirens blared nonstop and the city was surrounded by Russian troops. Tragically, on March 11, 2022, Viktor was killed when his family’s apartment came under fire during the most intense bombing of his area.
Ukraine House also presented the book Relentless Courage, which includes photographs by Dmytro “Orest” Kozatsky. Many of you will recognize the iconic image of a warrior standing under a single ray of light amidst the dark ruins of Azovstal. This photograph, which has become a global symbol of Ukrainian resilience, was taken by Dmytro Kozatsky. Known by his call sign “Orest,” Dmytro served as the head of the press service of the Azov Regiment. Even amidst the rubble of the steel plant, he found beauty and hope through the lens of his camera. Before being captured, he shared his archive with the world, urging everyone to keep the history of Mariupol alive. In 2022, after his release from Russian captivity, Dmytro visited the United States and presented his photographs in Washington.
“It is a great honor for us to have this voice in the heart of Washington and to preserve the memory of Mariupol… I am still impressed by the performance. While I am on my way to Kyiv, the play will be shown at Dupont Underground all week. And we are already thinking with the organizers about how to show it to more Americans. These are really two hours that bring back the understanding of why Ukraine is important not only for us Ukrainians, but also for the world. So that we all write not symphonies about war. But at least silence about a piece of peace,” said Oksana Markarova, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board of Ukraine House.
The play “The Trumpeter,” written by Inna Goncharova and translated into English by John Farndon, can be seen until February 1, along with a photo exhibition of Mariupol before and during the war.
“The premiere of the play The Trumpeter was sold out and ended with a standing ovation from a completely filled hall! Do not miss the opportunity to become a part of this important history of the struggle for the nation,” noted the Alliance for New Music-Theatre.
Photo: Erika Nizborski, Ukraine House
Author: Inna Mikhno