Daryna has extensive experience managing and cultivating an International Baccalaureate program in Ukraine, alongside facilitating art therapy workshops incorporating theatrical techniques. Daryna is particularly interested in collaborating with young people facing fewer opportunities and is passionate about projects that utilize creative methods such as theatre art therapy. She envisions working with an organization dedicated to accessible education and contributing to community management initiatives to foster integration within the organization's framework. 

During her H2M fellowship, Daryna learned from H2M artists insights into conducting training sessions for individuals who have faced diverse challenges. She also learned to develop strategies for navigating unstable circumstances and refine her skills in communicating with global partners. Daryna conceived, publicized and led a ‘True Voices’ workshop to ‘use the tools of theatre to explore new aspects of yourself while creating short pieces based on your personal experiences’. Daryna performed in H2M’s 24H2M Festival, creating and performing a new theatre work with a small group of theatre artists over the course of one day. She partnered with CSP Fellow Natália Centková and H2M artists to craft an interactive installation that was part of H2M’s Home/Land exhibit at the Multnomah County Library. 

Upon her return to Ukraine, Daryna organized and led a series of workshops utilizing expressive practices such as theatre and performance for individuals within her community who have been affected by war. Her objective was to reintegrate those impacted by various facets of conflict back into social engagement and collective well-being.

"Theatre, and art in general, can sometimes be full of propaganda, influencing people negatively throughout their lives. It might also be accessible only to those with high incomes. Recognising this, I began to explore how theater can serve as a therapeutic tool rather than a tool for manipulation or creating a more privileged world than it already is. This realization led me to focus on healing through art. Currently, my work revolves around this concept. I believe that art, whether through theater, performance, dance, or other forms, can not only entertain but also provide profound healing."

Learn, Follow and Connect:

Email: giadawson15@gmail.com

Daryna was placed with Hand2Mouth Theatre as part of the Fall 2024 Community Solutions Program (CSP) sponsored by the U.S. Department of State with funding provided by the U.S. Government and supported in its implementation by IREX.

  Daryna Shupyk (Slovakia)