Ukrainian War Veterans Shine as TV Stars in Heartfelt Dramedy Set in Kyiv
New Ukrainian Drama ‘The Return’ Premieres Amid Ongoing Conflict
As the war in Ukraine marks over four years since its onset, a new television show aims to bring attention to the struggles faced by those returning from battle. Titled The Return, the drama premiered on February 22 on the ICTV2 network, captivating an audience of 1.8 million viewers, even amidst challenges like power outages and infrastructure damage.
Showrunner Dmytro Khrypun conceived The Return shortly after the war began, driven by a desire to authentically portray the experiences of veterans. “I want this story to feel alive. It has to include real events that happened to real people,” said a veteran attending the emotional premiere in Kyiv. This commitment to authenticity led Khrypun to involve actual veterans in the production, emphasizing the importance of their real-life experiences over traditional acting roles.
The narrative follows Oleksandr Krechet, a wounded soldier returning to Kyiv, who faces complications with his medical clearance and a promise to his deceased comrade, Serhii Verba. The show’s creators emphasize that over half of the cast comprises veterans or active service members, enabling a raw and genuine portrayal of the themes of loss and the complexities of reintegration.
“This would be the most honest way of proceeding with this show because including veterans meant they would really know what it was all about,” Khrypun explained, noting that this approach was not only honest but also “logical.” Lead actor Yevhen Hryhoriev, who had no prior acting experience, embraced the role with a deep understanding of the emotional demands placed upon him.
Khrypun conducted extensive research into veterans’ experiences to ensure the show depicted their stories sensitively and accurately. Producer Anastasiya Shteingauz acknowledged the challenges of creating a dramedy centered on veterans amid ongoing conflict, stating, “You are ready to laugh when you hear army stories from your friends in Kyiv, but this kind of black humor will not work for everyone.”
Despite initial concerns about the show’s international appeal, Starlight Media is exploring options for global distribution. Shteingauz referenced the success of shows from other nations affected by conflict, like Israel, and expressed optimism about The Return reaching a worldwide audience. “If you asked me before the premiere I would have said this is a very Ukrainian story, but now I feel this could travel all over the world,” she noted.
Looking ahead, the challenges of producing a show during wartime remain significant. Shteingauz highlighted difficulties in filming amid air raid alarms and economic instability. Yet, Hryhoriev, optimistic about his future in acting, remarked, “As soon as I am free I will make acting my field. I am going to be in this professional field my entire life.”
With The Return, the team aims to balance the seriousness of war with the lightness of shared experiences, illustrating the resilience of those impacted by the ongoing conflict.
