On 5 September, the Finnish National Theatre in Helsinki will host readings of “I Want to Live, Breathe, Dance, Love – New Texts from Ukraine”, featuring dramatic works by Ukrainian veterans, the theatre’s website says.
According to the description, the event aims to highlight Ukrainian voices that have been overlooked in discussions and news about the Russia–Ukraine war. The readings will present new documentary drama texts written by young Ukrainian veterans. The translations and editing were carried out by writer Elli Salo, and the director is Riikka Oksanen.
Ukrainian playwright, human rights defender and veteran Alina Sarnatska will take part in the event. Moderated by journalist Maria Siako, she will speak about an artist’s work in wartime, the role of theatre during war, and what Ukraine is experiencing now.
The readings will be held in cooperation between the Finnish National Theatre and Ryhmäteatteri, in partnership with the Veterans’ Theatre, the Embassy of Ukraine, the City of Helsinki, AR Safe Haven Helsinki, Artists at Risk (AR), Creative Europe, Group Theatre and The Finnish Arts and Culture Agency.
About Alina Sarnatska:
- Ukrainian playwright, journalist, human rights defender and veteran;
- author of non-fiction, literary and dramatic texts devoted to the themes of war, human rights, corporeality, violence and social marginalisation;
- co-founder of the volunteer patronage service “Teplonosii”;
- winner of the “July Honey 2024” competition in the “Evening Stage” category for the play “Balance”;
- in May 2026, readings took place of her works in Washington.
About the Finnish National Theatre:
- founded in 1872 by playwright Kaarlo Bergbom and his sister Emilia;
- the theatre building was constructed in 1902 to a design by architect Onni Tarjanne.