Documentary Theatre in Ukraine: Traumatic Experience of War

Abstract

The purpose of the article is to explore the therapeutic function of documentary theatre in Ukraine in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war. The research methodology is based on the application of a set of methods: retrospective analysis, structural-functional, and comparative-historical. Important for the research is the art historical approach to the analysis of theatrical performances. The scientific novelty of the obtained results lies in the implementation of a comprehensive analysis of the therapeutic function of documentary theatre in Ukraine in wartime conditions. Conclusions. As a result of the conducted research, it was found that in the conditions of the Russian-Ukrainian war, documentary theatre became one of the most effective and relevant, quickly responding to changes in society. To the various functions of documentary theatre during the war, a therapeutic function was added. Since 2014, documentary performances have been staged by the Theatre of Displaced People, PostPlay Theatre, Wild Theatre, Furious Theatre, and others. It was noted that since the outbreak of the full-scale war, documentary performances have acquired special importance, in particular, these are the performances ‘Ashes of Dreams’, ‘Winter’, ‘Green Corridors’, ‘You Can’t (Not) Stay’, ‘Contrary’, ‘Faces of the Colour of War’, ‘I Am Normal’, ‘Crippled and Strong’ and many others. It is concluded that the examples of performances given show that modern documentary theatre transmits the narrative of trauma, acting as collective therapy. Documentary performances play the role of psychological support, a new way of interacting with the viewer, rethinking collective memory, becoming a space for survival, helping to better understand and live the traumatic past, while serving as a platform for international cultural diplomacy, bringing the truth about the war in Ukraine to the world community.