A theater in wartime Kyiv is staging "Odysseus, Maeotis," a contemporary adaptation of Homer's "The Odyssey." The production transforms the ancient Greek epic into a narrative reflecting the experiences and emotions of modern Ukraine amidst its ongoing conflict.
The play, performed by a cast including professional actors and active-duty soldiers, draws parallels between Odysseus' arduous journey home and the struggles faced by Ukrainians. Daniil Mireshkin, a serviceman portraying Odysseus, noted the timeliness of the story's themes. "I think this combination of myth and modernity allows us to draw parallels and understand just how critical the question of return is: the return of military personnel to civilian life, the return of our territories and the return of ourselves to our true identity as Ukrainians," Mireshkin said.
"Odysseus, Maeotis" is staged at the Ivan Franko National Academic Drama Theater with a minimalist and unsettling aesthetic. The set features neon light bars and projections, replacing mythical creatures like the Cyclops and sirens with contemporary symbols of war, such as drones and robotic war machines.
Director Ivan Uryvskyi explained that while the core narrative arc of Odysseus' return remains, much of Homer's original text has been adapted. The play's title includes "Maeotis," an ancient name for the Sea of Azov, a region that includes the port city of Mariupol, which was seized by Russia after a 2022 siege. The production draws on accounts from defenders of Mariupol, specifically from the Azov brigade.
Both lead actor Daniil Mireshkin and playwright Oleksii Dorychevskyi are members of the 1st Corps Azov. Dorychevskyi conducted interviews with former prisoners of war over a year to inform the production. According to the Corps, approximately 600 Azov brigade servicemen are among the thousands still held in Russian captivity.
Daryna Leheida, who plays Penelope, the wife of Odysseus, stated that the ancient queen's situation resonates with the experiences of women in Ukraine. "It’s about the fate of Ukrainian women who wait, believe and hope, but who can also feel powerless, hopeless and stripped of faith," Leheida said. "It’s about the temporarily occupied land waiting to come back home. It’s about the children and people who are waiting, what we face during this waiting and the toll that war takes on us."
The premiere of "Odysseus, Maeotis" has faced repeated delays due to Russian attacks. The play aims to provide a platform for discussing the enduring relevance of themes like return, captivity, and the psychological impact of war.