In Kolomyia, displaced actors performed a Forum Theater play for IDPs and local residents, representatives of NGOs, charities, and local authorities. The Forum Theater is a unique format that provides for direct audience involvement. Thanks to this, people with different backgrounds often find unconventional solutions to the problems discussed in the play. 

The event was held as part of the United Voices in Action program, implemented by International Organization IREX in Ukraine together with the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” and with the support of the U.S. Department of State.

The play titled “Choice” was showcased to the audience. Vitaliy Svitlyk, the regional coordinator for the United Voices in Action program in Ivano-Frankivska Oblast, mentions that the play delves into the story of an IDP woman who was faced with a choice to either stay in a city under shelling or move to a safer settlement in Ukraine:

“This story touched the audience. After all, most of them are IDPs who have had a similar experience. When they arrived in the new community, they had no place to live. The conditions did not meet their expectations. Unfortunately, the assistance provided was just enough to survive. The participants of the event were eager to join the discussion, sharing their thoughts and experiences. Almost unanimously, we came to the conclusion that IDPs need more help and support from the national and local authorities. After all, it is very difficult to cope with all the challenges in a new place on your own,” said Vitaliy Svitlyk.

According to Nataliya Teslyk, the project coordinator of the United Voices in Action program, this Forum Theater performance is another opportunity to establish communication between IDPs, government officials, and proactive citizens.

“Integration into a new community is often a challenge for IDPs, more so for families with children. Their primary concern is their children’s safety and welfare. Securing housing is a significant hurdle, and forging a new life under often daunting circumstances raises a multitude of concerns. The gravity of their struggles sometimes makes them contemplate returning to the occupied territories, especially if their new communities don’t have the conditions they need. This underscores the immense effort IDPs exert to establish themselves in a new setting. It emphasizes the dire need for tangible support,” elucidates Teslyk.

Vitaliy Svitlyk agrees that IDPs, indeed, often face a difficult choice. After all, it is sometimes easier to find a job abroad and improve your living conditions with the help of charitable organizations. Although, he notes the support of international foundations is also important here.

“The Deputy Mayor of Kolomyia, Ihor Ivakhniuk, attended our event. He confirmed that some issues are difficult for local authorities to deal with. But representatives of international foundations help. For example, it was with their help that we managed to equip the shelter premises, provide them with appliances and carry out the necessary renovations. He also believes, as do we, that such events are important for local authorities because they can understand the problems of IDPs better.”

Vitaliy Svitlyk noted that similar events would help overcome stereotypes and ease tensions between IDPs and local residents. After all, people who live in their own homes often cannot understand what Ukrainians went through, for example, during the occupation or when their homes and property were destroyed. What is needed is real interaction, as it was confirmed by the participants of the event.

“The participants were quite active. They noted that integration is possible, but it takes time and desire on both ends. IDPs need to be understood in their new places, and without the support of the government, local authorities, and community members, it will be really difficult for them,” says Vitaliy Svitlyk.

The Forum Theater event in Kolomyia gave IDPs the opportunity to connect with each other and with other viewers. The audience discussed ways to improve the living conditions and the lives of IDPs.

There are approximately 148,000 internally displaced persons officially registered in Ivano-Frankivska Oblast.