Theatre that opens up a space for an important choice
"CHOICE" is a social-artistic project and a psychological drama based on Sarah Kane's play "4:48 Psychosis". It is the story of a person who finds themselves on the brink of a deep internal crisis and tries to find an answer to the main question — is it possible to choose life when it seems that no strength is left? Through theatrical art, the project initiates an honest conversation about mental health, depression, loneliness, suicidal thoughts, and the need for support.
From a graduation play to an independent social initiative
The project originated as a graduation play by students of the Kyiv Municipal Academy of Variety and Circus Arts. Thanks to a powerful public response, "CHOICE" grew into an independent social-artistic initiative, which today is open to tours, partnerships, and performances throughout Ukraine. The play has become a platform for open dialogue on topics that often remain outside public attention.
Main goals of the project
- raising awareness about mental health issues;
- overcoming the social stigma surrounding depression and crisis states;
- creating a safe space for open dialogue;
- promoting a culture of seeking psychological help;
- supporting the Ukrainian military through the project's charitable component.
The project is particularly relevant in the context of the full-scale war, where millions of Ukrainians daily face stress, loss, anxiety, and psychological exhaustion.
To date, three charity performances of the play have taken place: two in Kyiv and one in the city of Brody, Lviv region. Despite the project being only in its initial stage of development, it has already received positive feedback from audiences and requests to hold new performances in various cities of Ukraine.
If you represent a theatre, cultural center, community, educational institution, charitable organization, or any other institution and wish to host a performance or propose a partnership, please fill out the registration form below.
A play that starts a conversation
"CHOICE" does not provide ready-made answers or offer simple solutions. It creates a space where the audience can see their own experiences, reflect on the importance of supporting loved ones, and realize the value of human life.
The main character's story becomes an occasion for a broader social discussion about the responsibility each of us shares for those around us. The project reminds us that even one sincere conversation can be decisive for someone going through a crisis.
Art as a tool of support
Theatre has a unique ability to speak about the most painful topics through the language of emotions. This is precisely why the play allows viewers not only to empathize with the character's story but also to re-evaluate their own experience, find words for difficult conversations, and realize the importance of reaching out for help.
Social mission of the project
In addition to its artistic component, "CHOICE" fulfills an important educational and charitable mission.
- holding charity theatrical performances;
- opening a public dialogue on mental health;
- supporting cultural initiatives that work with socially important themes;
- promoting psychological support;
- engaging communities in discussions of complex social issues.
The project is open to collaboration with theatres, communities, educational institutions, cultural institutions, charitable foundations, and non-governmental organizations across Ukraine.
- independent social-artistic initiative;
- charity performances;
- support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
- touring activities;
- partner cultural projects;
- thematic discussions following the performances.
The project is implemented by a team of young artists who strive to use theatre as an instrument for social change. Each performance is accompanied not only by an artistic statement but also by an opportunity for an open conversation about psychological health, support, and social responsibility.
To date, the team has successfully realized three charity performances of the play — two in Kyiv and one in the city of Brody, Lviv region. Each performance was accompanied by fundraising to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine and an open dialogue with the audience after the play. The feedback received confirmed the relevance of the issues raised and demonstrated high public interest in the project. Currently, the team is working on expanding the geography of performances and developing a partner network throughout Ukraine.
- organizing new charity performances;
- expanding touring activities;
- accepting applications from communities and cultural institutions;
- developing partnerships with theatres and public organizations;
- conducting post-performance discussions with the audience.
- new performances in the regions of Ukraine;
- international performances;
- partner projects in the field of mental health;
- expanding charity fundraising to support the AFU;
- creating educational and discussion programs around the play.
"CHOICE" demonstrates that theatre is capable of being not only art but also an important social tool for support. The play helps break stereotypes surrounding mental health, promotes open conversations about crisis states, and reminds us that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The project unites artists, audiences, benefactors, and partners around a common goal — preserving human life, developing a culture of mutual support, and helping Ukrainian defenders.
In the long term, "CHOICE" can become a large-scale cultural platform for the implementation of socially significant theatrical initiatives, conducting charity tours, and developing public dialogue about mental health in Ukraine.
- popularization of the mental health topic;
- reducing the stigmatization of psychological disorders;
- creating a space for open dialogue;
- supporting a culture of timely seeking of help;
- development of independent social theatre;
- charitable support for the Armed Forces of Ukraine;
- uniting culture, civil society, and charity.
