After an airstrike hit the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater in Mariupol on March 16, 2022, numerous individuals were present in and around the vicinity, including civilians seeking refuge from the ongoing invasion. Conflicting reports exist regarding the number of casualties from the blast, with legal experts suggesting strong evidence that the attack was a war crime. Investigations based on witness accounts point towards a Russian strike on the theater, despite Moscow denying responsibility and instead blaming Ukraine.
Nearly four years later, Russian-appointed officials claim that the theater, now under their administration, has been reconstructed, upgraded, and is almost prepared to accommodate audiences of around 500 people. While authorities present it as a meticulous restoration of a cherished cultural landmark, displaced Ukrainians from Mariupol view it as an act of disrespect.
Ihor Kytrysh, a long-time actor at the Mariupol theatre, expressed his dismay over the situation, stating, “It’s like performing a play on the bones of the dead.” Russian state media announced that the theater is set to officially reopen on December 25, with performances scheduled to commence in the new year. The Mariupol theater troupe is currently staging shows at alternative venues, a practice expected to continue during the holiday season.
Russia has highlighted its efforts in restoring the theater, emphasizing the deployment of hundreds of construction workers to meticulously reconstruct the building while preserving its historic facade. The establishment has been renamed the Mariupol Republican Order of the Badge of Honour Russian Drama Theatre under the occupation authorities. The website of the theater mentions its revival, mirroring the rejuvenation of Mariupol as a whole.
The airstrike on the theater in March 2022 occurred shortly after 10 a.m., with reports indicating that Russian aircraft likely dropped two 500-kilogram bombs at the location. Estimates on the number of casualties vary widely, with different sources citing figures ranging from at least 15 to around 600 individuals.
Following the theater strike, Russian forces swiftly advanced into the city center, with many residents forced to flee the area. Some, like Kytrysh and his family, sought refuge in other cities. Kytrysh and his fellow actors have been staging plays across Ukraine and internationally, narrating the stories of those impacted by the bombing and the grief experienced by those displaced from their hometown.
Criticism surrounds the reopening of the theater, with former residents like Serhii Kesarev expressing disapproval. Kesarev, who left Mariupol and currently resides in Kyiv, described the decision to celebrate and host events at the reconstructed theater as “absolutely wrong” following the tragic events that transpired there. The theater’s history section on its website acknowledges the challenges faced in 2022 but emphasizes the return of renowned Russian and Soviet classics to the stage.
In interviews, the theater’s Russian-appointed cultural director defended the reopening, comparing it to other cities in Europe built on historical sites of conflict. Plans for a gala celebration on December 25, including recognition for the overseeing architects and engineers, have been announced. Despite these efforts, sentiments remain divided among those directly affected by the theater bombing and subsequent events in Mariupol.