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War in Ukraine: Russia rebuilds the Mariupol theater, two years after the bombings
War in Ukraine: Russia rebuilds the Mariupol theater, two years after the bombings – (France 2)
The Mariupol theater was destroyed in March 2022. A team from France Télévisions returned to the scene, in this city symbol of the Russo-Ukrainian war. Russia rebuilt the theater there identically.
The Mariupol Drama Theater was the beating heart of the city. It was, for a time, a refuge for the inhabitants. The theater was destroyed three weeks after the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine, in March 2022. In February 2024, behind a canvas screen, Russia rebuilt it identically. Delivery is scheduled for 2025.”We like it said a passerby, the city is reborn”. While waiting for the work to be completed, the troupe rehearses and performs at the Mariupol Philharmonic.
Leave or stay?
No one spoke to the France Télévisions team present on site about the origin of the explosion. Ukraine accuses the Russians of having struck the building while Russia denounces a Ukrainian attack. Today, the theater depends on the Russian Ministry of Culture. Should we leave or stay in Mariupol? Two years ago, the troupe was torn apart over this issue. Many actors fled the bombings or the change of regime. To date, Mariupol has only half of its former inhabitants.
