(Im)possible to Stay

Today, liberated Kherson experiences constant shelling from Russian troops, making it perilous to open the theater’s doors and welcome people inside. The theater stands empty, or so it appears. However, the theater troupe is rehearsing a play in Kyiv. They no longer need scripted roles; instead, they portray themselves in a documentary-style show, recounting their own story of how the people of Kherson resisted the Russian occupation and how they were leaving the Russian occupation because of their pro-Ukrainian stance. For those who remain in Kherson, most of their time is spent in the theater’s basement, which once served as a refuge for townspeople during the early days of the full-scale invasion. It has now become the heart of the Kulish theater. Has this war separated people not only physically?