“Blockpost” – A Story of Courage and Vulnerability
“Blockpost” is a Romanian-Ukrainian theatrical co-production that highlights the onset of the war in Ukraine.
The performance is produced by the Cultural Foundation ARTMEDIA and the FAINA UA Association, in partnership with the Faculty of Music and Theatre at the West University of Timișoara.
Following the successful premiere on November 6, 2024, which was noted by the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine and various national and international publications, “Blockpost” returns for two more performances on November 28 at 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM at the Csiky Gerlegy Hungarian State Theatre.
The show reflects an event of deep significance, not only for the Ukrainian community but for all those who resonate with the powerful message of the text.
“The uniqueness of this theatrical project lies in the fact that it is, essentially, the first stage approach by Ukrainian theatre on the tragic theme of February 24, 2022, the day when Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began,” writes Oleg Vergelis, journalist, theatre critic, and Ukrainian writer.
“Blockpost” is a powerful play that takes us to the night the war in Ukraine begins. It is a story about courage, vulnerability, and generational bonds in the face of chaos. At an improvised checkpoint, a grandfather and his grandson wait for soldiers who never arrive. What follows is a night of reflection, uncertainty, and unspoken truths as various people pass through their post, each with their own vision of the future.
The Ukrainian director Oleksandr Stepantsov directed this modern play that reflects issues related to war and solidarity, penned by Anton Nesmiyanov.
The story comes to life through young Romanian actors, most of whom are students at the Faculty of Music and Theatre in Timișoara.
The cast includes: Benone Viziteau, Luca Șandor, Flavius Hudișteanu, Darie Doklean, Ariana Harșani, Marius Caraiman, Nadina Druța, Diana Nițu, Andrei Zgăbaia, Cătălin Kopandi. Set design is by Olena Drobna. Mirela Puia is the assistant director, and Marius Caraiman serves as assistant set designer. Video & light design are by Sebastian Hamburger, and the text translation was done by Lyudmyla Ganzha and Olga Botnarciuc.
The play is performed in Romanian, with Ukrainian surtitles.
The production is part of the Sunlight Over Borders project, an innovative initiative aimed at young people and the general public in Timișoara, actively involving the Ukrainian community in the city. The project seeks to create a space for reflection and collaboration between practitioners from Romania and Ukraine.
Partners: Lesya Ukrainka Academic Drama Theatre, the Faculty of Music and Theatre at the West University of Timișoara, FLIGHT FESTIVAL, Banat National College, and the Student Culture House.
The Sunlight Over Borders project is implemented by the Cultural Foundation ARTMEDIA and FAINA UA with support from the IZOLYATSIA Foundation, Trans Europe Halles, and Malý Berlín, and co-financed by the ZMINA: Rebuilding program, created with the support of the European Union as part of a dedicated call for proposals to support displaced Ukrainians and the cultural and creative sectors in Ukraine.