Mariupol Drama Theater 'reopening' was propaganda stunt - Center for National Resistance

The Center for National Resistance says the theater’s reopening was presented in the public space as a symbol of the "revival of Donbas" and as proof of the successful implementation of a state doctrine.

"The presence of party and state officials, pompous statements about a ‘historic mission,’ and the ‘together forever’ rhetoric clearly fit into a Soviet-style mobilization model, where culture is used as an instrument of power legitimation and ideological control," the Center said.

In reality, the theater never reopened for Mariupol residents. The building remained closed, ticket offices were not operating, and the announced performances were moved to the philharmonic hall, according to official notices posted on the doors and confirmations from local residents.

"The so-called ‘opening’ of the theater is a cynical manipulation and yet another proof of the colonial policy of the occupation authorities," CNS analysts stressed.

Mariupol Drama Theater 'restoration'

In November 2025, the occupying authorities claimed they had completed so-called restoration works at the Mariupol Drama Theater and planned to reopen it in December.

The Guardian wrote that the Russian occupation authorities are presenting the reconstruction of the theater as a symbol of Mariupol’s "revival."

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned Russia’s actions after festive events were organized in December 2025 to mark the so-called reopening of the Mariupol Drama Theater, on the site of a mass killing of civilians.

The ministry recalled that in March 2022, Russian aviation dropped a bomb on the theater building, where hundreds of civilians, including children, had taken shelter. The ministry emphasized that holding concerts, dances, and celebrations at the site of the tragedy constitutes a deliberate act of terror and an attempt to evade responsibility for the crime.