The teacher in Kyiv was looking for teenagers to join her summer acting class, which would culminate in a performance of an original play. In a Facebook post, Olesia Korzhenevska described the class as a place for happy children to express their thoughts and dreams freely.
Finding happy teenagers in Ukraine was a challenge due to the lingering effects of the pandemic and the ongoing war with Russia. However, after receiving a request from the mother of a 16-year-old boy named Sasha Suchyk, Ms. Korzhenevska decided to accept him into the class.
Sasha had previously dropped out of the class and struggled with clinical depression, even spending time in a mental hospital. Despite his challenges, Sasha expressed a desire to develop his creative potential and make new friends through the acting class.
Ms. Korzhenevska, although not trained to work with troubled teenagers, accepted the challenge of helping Sasha and three other young actors prepare for the play she had written for them. The play aimed to convey the message that life can still have positive outcomes, even in the face of adversity.
Throughout the process, Ms. Korzhenevska drew inspiration from the students themselves. The class included Solomia, Anna, and Alisa, each with their own unique backgrounds and struggles. Together, they worked on bringing the play to life, navigating personal challenges and the ongoing war in Ukraine.
Despite the difficulties they faced, the students dedicated themselves to the project, with Sasha taking on the central role in the play. As they rehearsed and prepared for the performance, they formed a bond and found common ground, allowing them to support each other through the process.
The play, titled “It’s Okay,” served as a reflection of the students’ resilience and determination to find hope in the midst of turmoil. Through their collaboration and hard work, they sought to convey a message of optimism and strength, both on stage and in their own lives.