Photos: ©Krzysztof Bieliński
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, more than 20,000 children have been systematically abducted to Russia. A group of courageous women is risking their lives to bring their children home. On their way to the Russian-run “summer camps” in Crimea, where the children are being held, the mothers and grandmothers travel nearly 5,000 kilometers through Poland, Belarus, and Russia.
The opera “Mothers of Kherson” tells this story, which is based on true events. Numerous interviews with the women directly affected and with children and teenagers who have returned home formed the basis for the libretto by George Brant, with music by Ukrainian composer Maxim Kolomiiets.
With its captivating and moving production, “Mothers of Kherson” once again draws attention to the plight of those who face the realities of war in Ukraine every day.
The recording of the world premiere on October 16, 2026, from the Teatr Wielki in Warsaw is available for a limited time in the ARTE Mediathek.
First broadcast on ARTE: October 24, 2026
Mothers of Kherson:
Music: Maxim Kolomiiets
Libretto: George Brant
Director: Barbara Wysocka
Conductor: Keri-Lynn Wilson
A co-production of Metropolitan Opera and Teatr Wileki – Polish National Opera
TV recording of the opera:
Director: Andreas Morell
DoP: Henning Brümmer
Sound: Alaksandr Porakh
Editor: Oswaldo Montúfar Vásquez
Postproduction: ifbbw
A 3B-Produktion production commissioned by ARTE
