Culbaba Theatre Headlines Local Festival with Music, Story and Dance
A celebration of culture, community and international connection unfolded in East Sussex this week, with Culbaba Theatre providing the principal musical programme for the Mriya festival.
More than two years after Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, the festival offered both solidarity and visibility. It highlighted the contribution of displaced Ukrainians to life in East Sussex and created space for genuine cultural exchange with the local community.
At the centre of the day stood Culbaba Theatre, who delivered live musical programme of the festival. The ensemble’s performances framed the event from start to finish, shaping its emotional tone through traditional Ukrainian repertoire rooted in communal and seasonal singing.
A Voice on BBC
Artistic Director Olena Zdielnikova, a musician and teacher based in Hastings, was interviewed during the festival by BBC East Sussex.
Reflecting on the importance of cultural presence, she said:
“Events like this show who we are beyond the headlines.
We are professionals, parents, neighbours. We bring skills, creativity and responsibility.
We want to build our future here, to contribute, and to share our culture openly.
And we are deeply grateful for the support we receive.”
Coverage of the festival is available on the BBC News website: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c844z8ke74qo.
Community and Continuity
Since 2022, the local Ukrainian community has raised more than £15,000 to support Ukraine’s defence efforts. Funds collected during the festival will go towards medical supplies.
Alongside craft displays and traditional food, live polyphonic singing created moments of collective stillness and attention. Ukrainian music carried across the festival space — rooted in history, yet fully present in contemporary Britain.
For Culbaba Theatre, leading the musical programme marked another significant step in establishing Ukrainian cultural work as a visible and respected part of regional life.
The festival demonstrated how powerful can be culture in building connections. And connection builds community.
Photo credit: Petro Budnyk
