On October 4, Zaporizhzhia’s night sky turned into a stage of resilience. For one evening only, the Mound of Unity on Khortytsia Island became the setting for “Chronicles of Strength” — a large-scale light and sound performance by Ukrainian artist Mykola Kabluka, founder of Expolight and Kabluka Light & Digital Sculptures.

The show coincided with the city’s anniversary, a symbolic tribute to Zaporizhzhia — a frontline stronghold that endures daily attacks yet continues to shine as a center of culture, history, and hope.

A Night of Innovation

The performance merged light, sound, and projection in a way that transformed the landscape into a temporary work of art. The mound, the cliffs, and the horizon above the Dnipro all became part of the spectacle, carrying a simple, timeless message: light always defeats darkness.

For the first time in Ukraine, natural surfaces were used for 3D mapping, while lasers drew symbols into the sky. It was an experiment in technology and emotion — fleeting, but unforgettable.

Part of a Larger Story

The one-night show also tied into the cultural project “Chronicles of Strength”, created by filmmakers Olha Navrotskaand Alan Badoev. Their fantasy universe reimagines Ukraine’s past through myths of endurance and spirituality, with Navrotska’s bestselling novel “Khort. The First Cossack-Cossack-kharakternyk” as its foundation.

By bringing the story to life through light, the Khortytsia performance gave the project a powerful physical expression — a meeting point of history, imagination, and art.

A Message for Today

Though brief, “Chronicles of Strength” left a lasting impression. For the people of Zaporizhzhia, it was more than a festival highlight — it was a moment of unity and encouragement, a reminder that even in the darkest times, Ukraine’s light cannot be extinguished.