On 16 March 2022, Russian forces bombed the Mariupol Drama Theatre — a building where over a thousand civilians had taken shelter. Actors of the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theatre were among them.

Three years on, they bring that story to the stage.

Mariupol Drama is a documentary performance created by the theatre’s own company — people who lived through the siege. For 60 minutes, four actors (including a child) share real testimonies, personal belongings, and footage from their phones. No reconstruction, no dramatisation. Just memory, told by those who carried it out.

The performance comes to Exeter on 17 March — one day after the anniversary of the bombing — as part of a UK tour organised by Devon Ukrainian Association, Kryla Culture CIC, Support Ukraine UK, and British-Ukrainian Aid.

Performed in Ukrainian with English subtitles.

This is not theatre in the conventional sense — it is testimony. Grief that has found a form. A reminder that behind every headline, there are people with names, faces, and lives that mattered.

Suitable for ages 12 and above. Running time: approximately 60 minutes, no interval.

This event is an external hire.

Venue: Auditorium, Exeter Phoenix

*Subject to a £1.50 ticketing system charge. We don’t charge this to make a profit. Find out more >>