Sep 20, 2024, 5:12 AM
Sep 20, 2024, 5:12 AM

Ukrainian sand artist Oksana Merhut performs in Bristol

Highlights
  • Oksana Merhut is touring the UK to raise funds for the Ukrainian armed forces, with a performance scheduled in Bristol on September 20.
  • Her show features two acts, including a narrative adaptation of Oscar Wilde's The Star-Child and a piece reflecting on the war in Ukraine.
  • All proceeds from the Bristol event will support Ukraine, and the audience is expected to be deeply moved by the artistic representation of the country's struggles.
Story

Oksana Merhut, a Ukrainian sand animation artist, is on a UK tour to raise funds for the Ukrainian armed forces. Her performance at the Trinity Centre in Bristol on September 20 is part of a series of shows planned across various cities, including Swansea, Cardiff, and London. Merhut, known as the Sand Fairy, has captivated audiences with her unique ability to tell stories through sand animation, a medium she mastered in 2014. The art form, which has roots in ancient cultures, has gained popularity in Ukraine since 2006. The show consists of two acts: the first features Oscar Wilde's The Star-Child, narrated in both Ukrainian and English, while the second act, A Prayer for Ukraine, reflects on the ongoing war in her homeland. Merhut's performances aim to raise awareness about the struggles faced by Ukraine, and she has received positive feedback from audiences who are often seeing sand animation live for the first time. In addition to her performances, Merhut has been actively involved in therapeutic workshops for displaced children since the onset of the war with Russia. She observed that engaging with sand art had a healing effect on the children, helping to improve their mental well-being. This therapeutic aspect of her work highlights the emotional power of sand animation as a tool for expression and healing. The event in Bristol is hosted by Ukraine Aid and Welfare, with all proceeds going to support Ukraine. The founder of the organization expressed expectations that the audience would be profoundly moved by Merhut's artistic portrayal of the realities faced by her country, emphasizing the meaningful impact of her work.

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