Once predicted to rival Berghain, wartime has seen the ‘club that doesn’t exist’ find new purposes as a bomb shelter and frontline fundraiser. But can it survive Ukraine’s new mobilisation drive?
on 24 February 2022, the first place she thought to seek shelter was ∄, the techno club housed in a former brewery she has run since its opening in 2019. “This building has survived two world wars,” the 28-year-old says over two years later almost proudly, pointing to the half-metre thick walls of the 19th century factory.
Once inside, it’s easy to see what has earned ∄ its reputation within the international scene. The sprawling space – renovated byarchitects Studio Karhard – is a brick and metal maze of dancefloors, darkrooms and toilet cubicles, with a meaty sound system to boot. In March 2020, just months after opening, the Covid pandemic hit – without government support, Ukrainian clubs were left to fend for themselves.
Since re-opening, ∄ has raised the equivalent of £250,000, which it uses to buy gear for various brigades and units in the army. The exact donations are listed in detail on the club’s, among them drones, generators, chainsaws, bulletproof vests and vehicles.
When asked, most guests all the say the same thing: the club is their home – and the community their family. “It’s a space where I can feel safe and be myself for a few hours,” says Maxim, a 32-year-old regular with earrings and a heart necklace. “It means a lot to the queer community here. We can kiss and hug openly.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Critic’s pick: Haai, the DJ making euphoric electronica with Kylie, Fred Again and Jon HopkinsThe London-via-Western Australia producer was once sceptical of dance music. Thankfully that changed – when she stepped foot in Berghain
Read more »
Grand Kyiv Ballet – Keeping their culture aliveSarah Ferguson presents Australia's premier daily current affairs program, delivering agenda-setting public affairs journalism and interviews that hold the powerful to account. Plus political analysis from Laura Tingle.
Read more »
Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv mourns prominent combat medic and journalist killed in actionHundreds attend funeral of Iryna Tsybukh, who was killed in action last week in Kharkiv. What we know on day 831
Read more »
Ukraine war briefing: Macron, Scholz agree Kyiv should use allies’ weapons against launchers in RussiaNato secretary general says alliance members should allow deep strikes, which White House says it doesn’t ‘encourage or enable’. What we know on day 826
Read more »
Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskiy says Kyiv’s forces have taken control of Kharkiv border areaPresident’s comments at odds with Russian claims over Vovchansk border town; US announces new $275m aid package for Ukraine. What we know on day 822
Read more »
Ukraine war briefing: Kyiv accuses Russia of targeting civilians in Kharkiv regionUkrainian prosecutors investigating possible war crimes in Kharkiv and Vovchansk as Zelenskiy says his troops are fighting back: What we know on day 816
Read more »