On November 20, 2025, despite the difficulties with the power supply, students of all faculties of SEI USUCT gathered in the press center of the institute for a meeting dedicated to the Day of Dignity and Freedom. The topic “Theater, Patriotism and Dignity” became a good opportunity for an important dialogue about art, responsibility and the power of the word.

Our guest was Olga Voloshyna – a director, actress, announcer, representative of the famous Dnipro Academic Ukrainian Musical and Drama Theater named after Taras Shevchenko. She shared her own experience: how the first productions of works by repressed authors were initiated in the Dnipro, in particular, the play by Volodymyr Vynnychenko “Lie” restored on stage. These performances carried a unique combination of art, historical memory and social courage.

Olga Voloshyna spoke about the difficult 90s, about the search for one’s own voice, about the excitement with which the audience perceived the return of banned names to the stage. According to her, the revolutionary events, which became a symbol of dignity and freedom, changed the Ukrainian theater – gave it new meanings, responsibility to the audience, to the city, to the country.

The students listened attentively, asked questions: how the repertoire is chosen, can the director refuse an actor without insulting his dignity, how memory is restored through art.

The meeting created a special atmosphere – the one after which you leave with the feeling that art and people are able to make us stronger.

Such conversations show that culture and theater are not only entertainment, but also a powerful tool of civic consciousness and national memory. The students were reminded that we are part of a great history; what seems like just a stage can have significance for the fate of generations.

It is nice that even in difficult times, with blackouts and challenges, the community of SEI USUCT finds the strength to come together, speak honestly and value freedom.

The staff of SEI USUCT sincerely thanks Olga Voloshyna for her sincerity and inspiration, and the students for their active participation. We are sure that such meetings are a good contribution to the upbringing of dignity, culture and a conscious attitude towards the past and the future.