Experience the Resilience of Art at Ukraine Fringe 2024: Kyiv’s English-Speaking Theater Festival

We are excited to announce the return of the Ukraine Fringe Festival, a celebration of cultural resilience and creativity in Kyiv. Following the incredible success of last year’s event, which took place amidst a full-scale war, the festival is back, continuing its mission to bring exceptional performances to our city. Last year, the Ukraine Fringe managed to attract an impressive lineup of artists from around the globe, with performances from the USA, UK, Hong Kong, France, Switzerland, and Ukraine gracing the stage. This year, the festival returns with the theme Steel Standing, a tribute to Ukraine’s unyielding spirit and the enduring power of culture in even the most challenging times.

Despite the difficulties, the Ukraine Fringe 2024 is set to be a truly memorable event, albeit in a more intimate and miniature format. The festival’s motto, Steel Standing, reflects not just the strength of the festival itself, but the resilience of an entire nation. For three days, from August 30th to September 1st, the ProEnglish Theatre Hub will transform into a vibrant space where art, theater, and community come together. This year’s program includes five captivating performances in English, two hands-on workshops led by experienced professionals, and two lively opening and closing parties.

The festival is not just about entertainment; it’s a statement that culture must thrive and evolve, regardless of the circumstances. Ukraine Fringe 2024 is more than just a series of performances—it’s a demonstration of the unshakable belief that art can shine even in the darkest of times. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast, an artist, or simply someone looking to be inspired, this festival offers something unique for everyone.

Here’s a closer look at the exciting lineup for Ukraine Fringe 2024:

August 30th (Friday)

• 6:00 PM – Festival Opening (Free Entrance)
  Kick off the festival with a lively opening party celebrating the start of this exciting cultural event.
• 7:00 PM – This Is A Confession (150 UAH)
  A poignant stage reading featuring five short plays written by teenage Ukrainian playwrights, offering a unique perspective on the early days of the invasion.

August 31st (Saturday)

• 11:00 AM – Scenes Workshop (300 UAH)
  Join Alex Borovenskiy, one of Kyiv’s top acting coaches, for an engaging workshop where you’ll hone your acting skills through dynamic scene work.
• 2:00 PM – Sailing Away (150 UAH)
  A gripping performance about a young artist’s struggle to stop her mother from leaving, only to uncover hidden family secrets.
• 5:00 PM – Once Upon a Time in Ukraine (300 UAH)
  Experience a powerful retrospective journey through Ukrainian history, brought to life on stage.

September 1st (Sunday)

• 11:00 AM – Improv Workshop (300 UAH)
  Dive into the spontaneous world of improvisation in this energetic and creative workshop.
• 2:00 PM – English Songs as Comedy (300 UAH)
  Enjoy a unique performance where famous English songs are transformed into hilarious sketches.
• 5:00 PM – Human Wrongs (300 UAH)
  A compelling story of a transwoman’s struggle for self-acceptance and safety, set in a public restroom.
• 7:00 PM – Festival Closure Party (Free Entrance)
  Celebrate the end of the Ukraine Fringe 2024 with a closing party that promises great conversations and a joyful atmosphere.

Mark your calendars for these incredible events, and immerse yourself in the world of theater, art, and resilience. For full details on the festival schedule, visit the Ukraine Fringe website.

Whether you’re in Kyiv or joining online, the Ukraine Fringe 2024 is an event that highlights the power of culture in the face of adversity. We hope to see you there!

As a U.S. citizen residing abroad, you retain your voting rights in federal elections. With election deadlines approaching, it’s crucial to prepare ahead to ensure your voice is heard. Here’s a detailed guide on how to vote from Ukraine, leveraging the resources of the Federal Voting Assistance Program (FVAP) and the support of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv.

Step-by-Step Voting Guide

1. Register and Request Your Ballot: Begin by visiting the FVAP website where you can register to vote and request your absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The site provides specific deadlines and instructions based on the state you’re registered in.
2. Receive and Complete Your Ballot: Once registered, your state will send you a ballot at the election time. Complete your ballot carefully and follow all provided instructions to ensure it counts.
3. Return Your Voting Materials: If your state allows, returning your completed ballot electronically is the quickest option. If electronic submission isn’t available, you can mail your ballot. Consider using a traceable courier service like DHL to send your ballot due to possible delays.
4. Using the U.S. Embassy’s Diplomatic Pouch: For those unable to use electronic submission or courier services, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv offers a diplomatic pouch service for mailing voting materials. Bring your sealed, addressed, and stamped voting materials to the Embassy or send them in a secondary envelope if you’re outside Kyiv.

Location and Timing for Embassy Drop-off:

In Kyiv: Drop off your materials at the public entrance of the consular section of the U.S. Embassy from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 16:00, excluding local and U.S. holidays.

Outside Kyiv: Send your sealed and stamped envelope in a second envelope to the Embassy’s address provided above.

Important Considerations

Due to ongoing conflicts and disruptions caused by the war in Ukraine, mail and courier services might face significant delays, potentially up to eight weeks. Plan accordingly to ensure your ballot arrives on time. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv is not a polling station—voting in person on Election Day at the Embassy is not possible.

In a significant legislative move, the Ukrainian Parliament has voted to end the annual transition to Daylight Saving Time (DST). Yaroslav Zheleznyak, a member of parliament from the Holos party, announced this decision via Telegram on July 16, marking a pivotal shift in how time is managed across the nation.

Starting from October 2024, Ukraine will set its clocks to standard time for the last time, with no further adjustments for DST thereafter. This decision will standardize the country’s time to UTC+2, known as Kyiv time, beginning in 2025. This shift aims to simplify timekeeping and align with the second time zone in the Universal Coordinated Time scale.

The push to abolish DST was supported by the parliamentary Economic Development committee on July 12, after initial backing in its first reading back in March 2021. The decision stems from studies and observations that suggest the transition between standard time and DST disrupts human biological rhythms without delivering significant energy savings.

Also, the Parliament’s press service indicated that establishing a consistent Kyiv time across Ukraine could enhance national security. This move reflects a growing trend observed in various regions worldwide, where the practicality and health impacts of DST are increasingly being questioned.

As Ukraine prepares for this change, it joins a list of countries opting to maintain a single, constant time throughout the year, prioritizing the well-being of its citizens and the efficiency of its national operations.

In the first quarter of 2024, Ukraine’s GDP saw a remarkable increase of 6.5% compared to the same period last year. This is great news for the Ukrainian economy, showing resilience and growth despite ongoing challenges. Key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and IT services have been the major contributors to this surge.

With the government’s push to attract foreign investment and implement structural reforms, Ukraine is becoming a hotspot for business ventures.

So, what does this mean for business professionals in Ukraine? Well, with the economy on the rise, there’s more business activity and opportunities than ever before. And this is where personal assistants and concierge services come into play. Imagine having someone to manage your travel plans, schedule meetings, or handle administrative tasks, allowing you to focus on your core business activities. It’s all about maximizing productivity and efficiency in this bustling economic environment.

For more details, read the full article here.

When planning a visit or move to Kiev, it’s essential to understand local regulations, including curfew hours, to ensure a smooth and lawful stay. Curfew rules can vary significantly from one city to another in Ukraine, affecting daily routines and travel plans. This article provides a detailed overview of curfew regulations in Kiev and highlights the differences you might encounter in other Ukrainian cities.

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Unveiling Your Gateway to Kyiv: Expat Help Ukraine Launches New Website!

Calling all Kyiv-bound business people and volunteers! Today marks the exciting launch of our brand new website, your one-stop resource for a smooth and enriching relocation and experience in Ukraine’s vibrant capital.

Whether you’re a seasoned professional embarking on a new venture or a passionate volunteer eager to make a difference, we understand the challenges of navigating a new city, especially one with a different language and culture. That’s where Expat Help Ukraine comes in.

Our new website is designed to be your comprehensive guide and trusted partner, offering a wealth of information and services to ease your transition and help you thrive in Kyiv. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect:

• Concierge Services: Let us handle the details while you focus on settling in. Our personalized plans cover everything from residency permits and translation to cultural immersion and administrative support.
• Ukrainian Language Lessons: Unlock the doors to deeper connections and understanding with our personalized language programs designed for all levels.
• Local Cultural Tours & Events: Dive into the heart of Kyiv with our unique tours and events, curated to connect you with the city’s fascinating history, vibrant art scene, and delicious cuisine.
• Living & Working in Kyiv: Get invaluable insights and insider tips on everything from housing and transportation to cultural etiquette and local customs.

And that’s not all! Our website also features:

• Engaging blog posts: Explore insightful articles and cultural guides authored by local experts.
• Meet the team: Get acquainted with our passionate team of Kyivites dedicated to your success.
• Testimonials: Hear firsthand from satisfied clients who have benefited from our services.

Ready to explore your Ukrainian adventure? Take a look around and discover how Expat Help Ukraine can make your transition seamless, enriching, and unforgettable.