Round Yard in Sumy
The Round Yard is the oldest public building in northeastern Ukraine that is still preserved in our time. Its construction began in 1749. But this is not the only interesting fact about this building. For example, another one: in fact, the yard should be called Oval rather than Round. It is an oval with four towers combining elements of Gothic and Ukrainian Baroque.
Once, local landowners held large-scale theater and circus performances here, and actors and dancers lived right here, in the Yard. In Soviet times, the unique building was used as a warehouse and gradually became dilapidated. Only during Ukraine's independence since 1991 have the first restoration works begun, and the complex has been recognized as an architectural monument. That said, active cultural life has returned to the Round Yard – it was included in the list of the hundred most amazing landmarks of Ukraine and has become a site for festivals and various events.
After Russia invaded in 2022, the walls of the Round Yard were shelled by Russian artillery. The invaders then emplaced their howitzers next to the broken gate. The Round Yard looks like a fortress indeed, but it never had any defensive functions. Nevertheless, it became the battle scene – and not in a theatrical performance.
Veronika Kanishcheva
Veronika Kanishcheva - сomposer, sound designer. With the analog and digital instruments, he creates noise effects, atmosphere, writes music for films, theater performances and comedy sketch shows. Nika is a member of the electronic music duo Diser Tape, and has a solo project Syncøpe and released several albums. Her music is located between dub-influenced electronica, coexisting in the same sonic landscape with nuanced elements of minimal and subtleties of muted techno. The music of minimalism is a reaction to the gradual complexity of life, elimination of excess and soothing with repetition, it reflects the need for peace. The compositions feature concise emphases on emptiness and evolve gradually, allowing us to perceive subtle changes and shifts over time with elegant simplicity and profound depth
