The Ethnology Notebooks. 2026. № 4 (190), 1200—1208
UDK 792-056.2/.3:159.922]:316.77(477)”364″
- Received: 02.06.2026
- Accepted: 22.06.2026
- Published: ??.??.2026
COMMUNICATION PRACTICES OF UKRAINIAN INCLUSIVE THEATRE IN ARMED CONFLICT CONDITIONS: A CASE STUDY OF «ILLUSION»
KOSOVYCH Taras
- Art critic, Leader Branch «Inclusive Theater “Illusion”»
- of the NGO «Charitable Foundation “Life as a Miracle”»
- 25/4, Lesia Ukrainka Blvd., Kolomyia, Ukraine,
- Contacts: e-mail: berkut2112@gmail.com;
- e-mail: inclusive.theater.ua@gmail.com
Abstract. Purpose. The aim of the article is to analyse communication practices with actors with disabilities under the stressful conditions of martial law, using the activities of the Inclusive Theatre «Illusion» (Kolomyia, Ukraine) as a case study. In particular, it examines mechanisms of personalisation, multichannel communication, psychological support, and family involvement, as well as the role of art therapy techniques in building group cohesion.
Theoretical framework. The theoretical foundation comprises the social model of disability (M. Oliver), the concept of meaningful involvement (A. Fletcher), the ethics of vulnerable solidarity (T. Kosovych, drawing on E. Levinas and J. Butler), art therapy techniques for group work (O. Havelya), and the integrated actor training methodology (R. Bil).
Findings. Eight key practices are identified: a personalised approach; simplicity and clarity of information; sensitivity to participants’ condition, including the right to «silent presence»; multichannel communication; family involvement through the «communication triangle» model; emotional support; art therapy techniques for group cohesion; and body-and-voice training as a non-verbal channel of communication.
Conclusions. The study substantiates that effective communication is not merely a managerial task but a manifestation of ethical leadership and a foundation of an inclusive theatre’s viability in crisis conditions. The proposed practices can be adapted for other inclusive theatres operating under conditions of war, forced displacement, or humanitarian challenges.
Methodology. The methodology is based on a qualitative case study incorporating seven years of participant observation (2018–2025, n = 28), analysis of internal documentation, and a survey of participants. To enhance validity, source triangulation was employed.
Keywords: inclusive theatre, crisis communication, martial law, vulnerable solidarity, TGR-model, management, Ukraine.
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