A theatrical adaptation of Homer’s Odyssey is being performed in Kyiv by members of Ukraine’s Azov military corps, blending classical mythology with contemporary experiences from the ongoing conflict with Russia. The production, a collaboration between the Ivan Franko Theatre and Azov fighters, uses the ancient narrative as a framework to explore themes of war, loss, and the longing for home amid the invasion that has displaced millions and drawn thousands into battle.
The play diverges from a literal retelling of Homer’s epic, focusing instead on the struggles of Azov troops and their broader significance within Ukrainian society. It incorporates modern elements such as attack drones flying over the stage and soldiers communicating via radios, while maintaining references to the original myth. The cultural project serves not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a fundraising effort to support Ukrainian prisoners of war.
This adaptation situates the story on the Sea of Azov—Maeotis in antiquity—which borders Mariupol, the city that the Azov unit helped defend during Russia’s 2022 invasion. Once a marginal battalion with far-right origins, Azov has since been integrated into Ukraine’s regular armed forces and emerged as a symbol of resistance, especially after its role in the prolonged siege of Mariupol. Hundreds of Azov fighters remain in captivity, with Moscow using their far-right associations—as denied by the unit—to justify its claim of “denazifying” Ukraine, a widely disputed rationale for the war.
Director Ivan Uryvskyi emphasized the responsibility of portraying Azov’s complex legacy, describing the unit as “something of a myth” within Ukraine. Scenes onstage evoke powerful imagery from the siege, including a negotiation between Odysseus and a camouflage-clad Cyclops that references the 2022 talks between Azov commander Denys Prokopenko and Russian forces. Despite the hardships endured, the play does not resolve with a traditional happy ending, reflecting the ongoing uncertainty faced by families of missing soldiers.
Performers themselves are active service members, deepening the production’s emotional resonance. Lead actor Danylo Mireshkin, who serves with Azov, described the challenge of repeatedly confronting the grief of comrades lost or captured. The narrative also addresses the difficult decisions faced by partners of missing soldiers, acknowledging the painful reality that waiting for loved ones may yield no closure.
The play’s presentation faced uncertainty, with performances postponed due to recent Russian drone attacks on Kyiv. Nevertheless, the production has attracted local audiences, many moved by its portrayal of war’s human toll. The slogan “Free Azov” is prominently displayed at the theatre, underscoring the ongoing public support for imprisoned fighters.
By weaving ancient myth with modern conflict, this theatrical work reflects how Ukraine’s wartime experiences are reshaping cultural expression and collective memory amid a protracted and devastating war.