Improvisation through emotions: Uzhhorod has a playback theatre for teenagers and adults
Playback theatre is a special form of theatrical art based on improvisation and interaction with the audience. It consists of two main parts: stories told by the audience and instant staging on stage. Actors use movement, music, and voice to recreate the stories. In this way, they are able to skilfully convey emotions and create a lively connection between the stage and the audience.
Rehearsals take place at the Stanitsa-Uzh art space. I was lucky enough to attend one of these theatre classes and experience how ordinary stories are transformed into live action right here and now.
One of the studio’s organisers, psychologist Natalia Shevchenko, said that anyone can become a member of the playback theatre, the main thing is to want to.
“I work in a psychosocial support project for children and adults. As part of this project, we have created playback theatre studios, and the main idea is to give people space for sincere communication, support and interaction. It is a place where you can be open, express yourself without fear, not only with words, but also through action — with your body, movement and voice. Playback theatre gives you this freedom. Our group is currently open to both experienced performers and beginners. Playback theatre has no age restrictions — anyone can join and express themselves. There are no requirements. We are expanding the circle of participants and invite everyone who is interested.
The studio’s founders emphasise that this space is not just about theatre, but about people. There is an atmosphere of warmth and trust here, where everyone can meet like-minded people, share their own stories, freely express themselves and learn to better show their emotions.
The most important value of the studio, according to its participants, is the atmosphere of support and freedom for everyone.
For photographer Catherine Kish, her acquaintance with playback theatre began in 2023, when she presented her social photo exhibition ‘Happiness’ in Uzhhorod.
“The exhibition consisted of various activities, and literally a month later I was invited to Station Uzh. I wanted the theatre actors to perform at my exhibition — and fell in love with this art. I want to learn to act, I am attending classes for the second time: I recently completed the first course, and when I saw the announcement, I decided to try again. The practice is very interesting — playback helps me listen to the story, understand the important points and decide for myself what exactly I can convey through this story.”
For Anna Grokholska from Kherson, playback theatre became an opportunity for psycho-emotional relief. And also — an opportunity to find new friends.
‘Here I found a wonderful community and an opportunity to release my emotions. I used to attend performances in Kherson, but I didn’t participate in them. When I saw the announcement here, I decided to give it a try. I came in May for the basic course and have already completed it. It has become easier for me to express my thoughts, and I have become calmer about the process.’
Student Yulia Reshetar is delighted with her new acquaintances, impressions and achievements in the studio.
“It’s a very comfortable space where you can openly express your emotions without fear of judgement. I didn’t used to act in teenage theatre, but now I attend an adult group. There are a lot of people older than me here, and at first I was worried about whether I would be able to communicate, but you don’t notice that at all. You perceive people as individuals, and age differences are not felt. This is only the second class, but I already feel that it helps me unwind. You can come after a hard day with sad thoughts, and here you can relax, recharge your batteries, and regain your energy.”
The organisers noted that classes are held every Friday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. free of charge. The first 3-4 meetings are open to everyone, and then the group closes for deeper collaborative work and future performances.
