SOLD OUT | AmRev Presents: Ukrainian Independence on Stage and Screen

On August 24, 1991, Ukraine declared its independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Ukraine’s declaration stated, “The territory of Ukraine is indivisible and inviolable. From this day forward, only the Constitution and laws of Ukraine are valid on the territory of Ukraine.” This is the description of the Ukrainian declaration in the Museum’s special exhibition, The Declaration’s Journey, which explores the historical and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today. 

The Museum of the American Revolution and Adrenaline Films, together with Philadelphia Ballet, will present a documentary film screening and special ballet performance inspired by the Ukrainian artists and dancers who navigate the impact of war on their nation’s arts and culture. The 2025 film by Adrenaline Films, "The Sky Was on Fire: Ballet & War in Ukraine", premiered earlier this year at Kyiv’s Taras Shevchenko National Opera and Ballet Theatre.  

At 6 p.m., the film's executive producer, Alfred Hagen will introduce the 95-minute film, conceived by co-director Jonathan Maricle, with additional direction by Joan Finn Adkison, and produced by Julie Meyer and Adrenaline Films founder Michael Murray. Museum President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson will host this public program, which includes an invitation to view The Declaration’s Journey, which showcases revolutionary artifacts related to independence movements around the world since 1776, prior to the film.

After a brief intermission, the program will continue in the Museum’s first-floor with access to a light reception and featured dance performance with Q&A. Philadelphia Ballet Principal Dancers Oksana Maslova, who grew up in Nikopol, Ukraine, and Arian Molina Soca will perform “Air On the G String (For Ukraine),” which was choreographed in 2022 by Charles Askegard, The Janis and Stephen Goodman Rehearsal Director for Philadelphia Ballet, followed by a Q&A with Maslova, Philadelphia Ballet Principal Dancer Sterling Baca, and Askegard.  

Featured Speakers:

• Iryna Mazur, Esq., Honorary Consul of Ukraine

• Alfred Hagen, Executive Producer, The Sky Was on Fire: Ballet & War in Ukraine

• Charles Askegard, Janis and Stephen Goodman Rehearsal Director, Philadelphia Ballet

• Arian Molina Soca, Mrs. Henry F. Harris Principal Dancer, Philadelphia Ballet

• Sterling Baca, Wyncote Foundation Principal Dancer, Philadelphia Ballet

• Oksana Maslova, Dr. Morris H. and Esther Kean Principal Dancer, Philadelphia Ballet