Mothers’: A Deep Reflection of Pain and Unbreakable Maternal Love in Ukrainian Literature and Theater
In 2023, Ukraine’s cultural scene witnessed profound events that evoked deep emotions and prompted reflection on loss, pain, and resilience.
During a book fair in the capital, the premiere of Maria Matios’ novel ‘Mothers’ took place, transforming from just a literary work into a powerful testimony of the most intimate and brutal experiences of Ukrainian mothers.
The book’s black cover immediately drew attention to a symbol — a stress mark on the last letter ‘И’ — which metaphorically emphasized the multiplicity and unique depth of maternal grief.
Across six interwoven stories, the author explores the vast spectrum of maternal pain, despair, and strength, illustrating how even in the depths of tragedy, there exists an unyielding force to carry on.
Dedicate to the memory of her only son Nazar, as well as countless other mothers who lost their children, the narrative underscores the boundless power of maternal love as a refuge and a beacon of hope.
“No other road is darker or more solid than a mother’s path to her son’s grave,” writes Matios, encapsulating the profound and layered sorrow.
This theme inspired a compelling theatrical production, which marked the 86th season of the Rivne Academic Musical and Drama Theater.
Directed by Anzhelika Chornoivan — a rising star in Ukrainian theater direction — the play was designed with sensitivity, aiming to serve as a therapeutic space for a society wounded by war.
The premiere drew nearly 500 spectators, mostly mothers and loved ones affected by loss.
An emotional highlight was a special performance in the theater’s lobby, featuring icons and embroidered works created by fallen defenders of Ukraine, titled ‘May it Be for Your Son,’ symbolizing collective remembrance and support.
Among the audience was the mother of ‘cyborg’ Sergeant Serhii Ishchenko, who received a handwritten embroidered towel from the theater — a symbolic gesture of unity and solidarity.
The performance and book offer a truthful and visceral portrayal of the struggles faced by mothers who mourn, search for the missing, and live with the pain of irreversible loss.
It’s a layered and powerful experience that compels reflection on the value of life and the enduring strength of maternal love.
These stories highlight that, even in the darkest times, mothers remain sources of hope, healing, and resilience.
Consequently, ‘Mothers’ fosters a vital humanitarian mission — helping Ukrainians to heal through art and literature, and reminding everyone to cherish love, sacrifice, and faith in the future.