26 February 2025

Five Stories of Resistance: Babylon Theatre’s Performance at the 11 Years of War. Starting Point: Crimea Forum

During the 11 Years of War. Starting Point: Crimea Forum, the Babylon People’s Theater of Mykhailo Dragomanov Ukrainian State University presented the “Five Stories of Resistance” play, which tells the stories of Crimeans bravely resisting Russian occupation.

The performance featured actors Anna Tkachenko, Ivanna Rudenko, Sofiia Bevza, Anhelina Maltetseva, and Oleksii Bordunov, who portrayed Antonina Romanova, Mariia “Sakura,” Iryna Danylovych, Zla Mavka, and Asan “Hasan” Isenadzhiev. The production was directed by Iryna Savchenko and incorporated poetry by Viacheslav Huk from the Qırım İnciri (Crimean Fig) anthology.

“Five Stories of Resistance” brought to life the stories of courageous individuals who refused to accept Russian occupation. The audience witnessed the experiences of soldiers defending Ukraine on the front lines, political prisoners who have become symbols of resilience, and members of the resistance movement operating under occupation. The performance highlighted the activities of Zla Mavka, an underground resistance group, as well as other movements such as ATESH, Yellow Ribbon, and Crimean Combat Seagulls, which showcase the creativity and determination of Ukrainians in their fight against the occupiers.

All these stories are united by an unwavering belief in freedom—a value that for Ukrainians is not just a word. It is no coincidence that the phrase “Freedom is our religion” has become a symbol of Ukrainian resistance, embodied in every action, decision, and step taken on the path to victory.