A theatre and a football stadium: Finding a safe place for Ukraine’s internally displaced people

A new play premiered at a theatre in the Ukrainian city of Lviv shortly before Russia's invasion. Now, it's a temporary shelter for dozens of refugees.

Andrii Vodychev would normally be performing at this theatre in Lviv. Now he is helping his countrymen and women who need food and shelter. Source: SBS News / Ben Lewis

Shortly before Russia began firing missiles into Ukraine, a new play premiered at Lviv’s Les Kurbas theatre.

Only two performances were completed there.

The sets were quickly taken down and audience seating removed. This cultural hub is now a temporary shelter for dozens of refugees.

Lviv's Les Kurbas theatre is now a temporary shelter for dozens of refugees. Source: SBS News / Ben Lewis

Andrii Vodychev would normally be performing at the 200-year-old venue. Now he spends his days helping his countrymen and women who need food, shelter and, often, someone to talk to.

“We couldn’t sing, couldn’t rehearse, so we decided we would be more useful assisting people who need help,” he says.

“We are not actors now, because the drama takes place in the real world. I want victory for Ukraine so we can get back to performing for the people.”

Among those being cared for is Ludmilla, from Dnipro in Ukraine’s centre-east.

She travelled there with her daughter and seven-year-old granddaughter, Lera. Together, they’ve slept in the stalls for several nights.

“It’s very comfortable, everything is good here - food, warmth, and somewhere to sleep. But you can’t stay here forever,” she says.

Ludmilla, from Dnipro, travelled to Lviv with her daughter and seven-year-old granddaughter, Lera (pictured). Source: SBS News / Ben Lewis

Ludmilla hopes to leave Lviv in the coming days to cross the border and eventually reach Germany.

Recent Russian airstrikes in the west of Ukraine means nowhere in the country feels safe.

“Never in my life [have I] thought that I would be a refugee in my own country. It is completely terrible. No one could ever have thought something like this would happen.”

On the outskirts of Lviv, a 35,000-seat football stadium dominates the landscape.

For many of those arriving in the city with nowhere to stay, it’s their first stop.

Local authorities are providing food, clothing and short-term accommodation, until a more permanent solution can be found.

Ivana Herus is coordinating the project at the football stadium in the outskirts of Lviv. Source: SBS News / Ben Lewis

“Our town has a slogan, ‘Lviv is open to the world,' but Lviv is also open to all of Ukraine,” says Ivana Herus, who is coordinating the project.

“We will give all that we have to these people, for as long as is needed.”

Stanyslav Kopitsa, his wife and three young children have just arrived from the city of Kramatorsk.

It’s not the first time he has had to flee Russian forces.

In 2014, the family was forced to leave their home in Donetsk when Moscow-backed separatists took control of the region.

Stanyslav Kopitsa, his wife and three young children have just arrived from Kramatorsk. Source: SBS News / Ben Lewis

“We thought that was going to be the last time we would have to leave our house and restart our lives,” he says.

“Now, we must do so again. I can barely find words, just emotions.”

Once accommodation has been found for his wife and children, Mr Kopitsa will return to the east and volunteer with the armed forces.

“I will stay in Ukraine until the very end.”