Ukrainian Symbolism in the Design of Stage Projects of the War Period

The purpose of the article is to clarify the peculiarities of the use of Ukrainian symbols in the design of modern stage projects of a patriotic direction, in particular those that have taken place during the armed aggression of the Russian Federation in Ukraine since 2014. The research methodology involves the use of semiotic analysis to determine the semantics of images based on Ukrainian symbols; as well as art historical analysis to identify design techniques and tools that achieve the transformation of the symbolic content of a stage project. The scientific novelty of the article is to identify the figurative specifics of the use of Ukrainian symbols in the design of the identity of stage projects implemented during the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. The polysemantic nature of images based on national symbols and their ability to undergo laconic transformations, which allows transforming the meaning of antiquity into modern meanings, are revealed. Such signs acquire a new meaning and expressiveness in the current context, the context of an armed war that encroaches on the very existence of the Ukrainian state. Conclusions. The results of the study show actual changes in the design of stage projects during the military aggression by the Russian Federation. Directors and artists are increasingly turning to Ukrainian symbols based on folk archetypes and ethnic motifs. This can be observed both in the graphic conceptual design and in the emotional messages of the images based on the symbols of Ukrainian identity. It was found that each graphic element has its own meaning and associations that can be used to convey certain emotions and moods. The study found that the use of Ukrainian symbols in stage design can be an effective tool in the struggle for national identity and a sense of national dignity in times of war. Ukrainian symbols are again gaining popularity and demand not only on the territory of the Motherland, but also far beyond its borders. This trend indicates a change in the consciousness of Ukrainians and the value of the unique sacred heritage