TUNNELS OF IMAGINATION

A theatrical audio series about the Kharkiv metro, set inside the metro itself

TUNNELS OF IMAGINATION

A theatrical audio series about the Kharkiv metro, set inside the metro itself

TUNNELS OF IMAGINATION

A theatrical audio series about the Kharkiv metro, set inside the metro itself

"Kharkiv is the center of the world, and anything can happen in its metro: Queen Elizabeth might show up with Clint Eastwood, Kernes might resurrect, split into thousands of bats, and fly out the window," says Artem Vusyk, the idea author, scriptwriter, and founder of the Nafta Theater.
An audio performance is a quite common genre of theater productions around the world. It is a theatrical event that takes place in an audio format and is tied to a specific location. Often, it might be a walking route, or the action can unfold in a notable building, adding a historical or socio-political context to the audio performance. However, “Tunnels of imagination” is a unique artistic product because it offers viewers a journey through an imaginary, fantastic, and surreal Kharkiv metro together with the characters of the Nafta Theater universe.
In the first season, we offer three episodes, each tied to a specific line of the Kharkiv metro:
Episode 1: "Saltivska serenade"A story about lost attention that prevents you from noticing the person next to you.
Episode 2: "Oleksiivska western"Introduces us to many absurd characters and explores themes of friendship, loneliness, and existential crisis.
Episode 3: "Kholodnohirska detective"A dynamic detective story that unfolds in a single subway car throughout the entire ride.
“Tunnels of Imagination” is an immersive performance that uses urban space as a stage. It brings together various stories that happen in the same location, with different characters crossing from one story to another. It’s a story about people and the relationships between them.
The metro becomes a place for diving into fantasies, thoughts, and reading. The movement of trains and the tunnels serve as a dynamic element, encouraging reflection during the journey. But what about our internal "tunnels"? They lead us to various emotional states and conclusions. That’s why the metro’s concept feels a bit cosmic. And our theatrical audio performance is endlessly kind—almost childishly animated and imaginative.
Since the full-scale invasion, Kharkiv’s urban space has ceased to be a safe place, and the metro has become the only calm refuge rather than just a transportation hub. The goal of the performance is to give you a new, uplifting experience of traveling your familiar underground route.
The duration of the audio performance matches the actual length of the metro journey from terminal to terminal:
Saltivska line — 20 minutesOleksiivska line — 20 minutesKholodnohirska line — 30 minutes
This project is the winner of the Per Forma grant program, implemented by Kyiv Contemporary Music Days with the support of the Performing Arts Fund NL and the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science of the Netherlands to develop the performing arts sector in Ukraine.
#PerFormaKCMD

Director: Artem Vusyk
Actors | Voices: Artem VusykVyacheslav HindinOlena Bazhenova Pavlo Savelyev
Composer: Stas Kononov 
Sound design: Serhii Kondratiev (Flanger)

How to listen to the performance? Instructions

1. Create an account on Bandcamp.2. Go to the performance page from your computer or mobile phone browser.3. Purchase the performance using your preferred payment method.4. You can already listen to it via your mobile browser, but for better convenience, we recommend installing the Bandcamp mobile app.5. Download the performance to your cache so you can listen to it offline.6. Prepare comfortable headphones, head to the metro, and start from the terminal station.7. Enjoy your listening experience!

Frequently asked questions about purchasing the audio performance

  • Do I need to go to the theater to experience this performance?

    No, you just need to download the Bandcamp app and purchase the performance to access its audio file.

  • When does the performance take place? Should I listen to it in the metro?

    There are no specific dates or times for listening. Once you purchase and download the performance, it’s yours. For a fully immersive experience, we recommend riding the metro and choosing the appropriate line (since each metro line corresponds to a different episode). Feel free to listen whenever and however it works best for you.

  • If I want to listen to the performance in the metro, where should I start?

    The first season consists of three episodes:
    ● "Saltivska serenade" — Start at Saltivska station and ride to the final stop.● "Oleksiivska western" — Start at either end of the Oleksiivska line and hit play as the train departs.● "Kholodnohirska detective" — Begin at either end of the Kholodnohirska line and press play when the train leaves the station.

  • Can I purchase a single episode?

    Yes, each episode can be purchased separately. The price for one episode is 300 UAH. You can listen to it online or offline on Bandcamp.

  • How long will I have access to the performance after purchasing it?

    The performance will remain in your Bandcamp account for an unlimited amount of time.