AmRev Presents: Ukrainian Independence on Stage and Screen, Nov. 7

Event Features Film Screening of “The Sky Was on Fire: Ballet and War in Ukraine” and Philadelphia Ballet Performance 

On Aug. 24, 1991, Ukraine declared its independence following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Ukraine’s declaration stated, “The territory of Ukraine is indivisible and inviolable. From this day forward, only the Constitution and laws of Ukraine are valid on the territory of Ukraine.” An image of the Ukrainian declaration is featured in the Museum’s upcoming special exhibition, The Declaration’s Journey, which explores the historical and global impact of the Declaration of Independence from 1776 to today.  

To celebrate the new exhibition, in partnership with Adrenaline Films and Philadelphia Ballet, the Museum of the American Revolution will host AmRev Presents: Ukrainian Independence on Stage and Screen on Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, from 5:15 – 8:30 p.m. and the Philadelphia premiere of “The Sky Was on Fire: Ballet and War in Ukraine” in the Museum’s Lenfest Myer Theater.  

The night will kick off with a complimentary reception and access to view The Declaration’s Journey. At 6 p.m., Museum President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson will welcome Executive Producer of “The Sky Was on Fire: Ballet and War in Ukraine” Alfred Hagen to introduce the film in the Museum’s Lenfest Myer Theater.  

The film follows National Ballet of Ukraine stage director Oleh Tokar and other ballet artists who had to make a difficult decision after the Russian invasion of Ukraine: to flee or to stay and fight—and also to perform. Tokar, one of many Ukrainian ballet artists who have taken up arms in the fight against Russia, continues to work for the National Ballet of Ukraine by day. 

Following the film, the program will include a light reception and a performance titled “Air on the G String (For Ukraine) featuring Philadelphia Ballet Principal Dancers Oksana Maslova, Dr. Morris H. and Esther Kean Principal Dancer, and Arian Molina Soca, Mrs. Henry F. Harris Principal Dancer. Baca and Maslova will participate in a Q&A with the Janis and Stephen Goodman Rehearsal Director Charles Askegard, who choreographed the piece. The program includes The Declaration’s Journey and will conclude by 8:15 p.m. 

Tickets for this event are $35 for general admission and $30 for Museum Members and Philadelphia Ballet Subscribers can be purchased here. This is a 21-and-over event. 

About Adrenaline Films 

Adrenaline Films is an Orlando-based production company that specializes in visual storytelling by bringing together creative development, technical artists, state-of-the-art equipment & post-production. For 35 years, the crew at Adrenaline has honed their craft, using their origins in broadcast television (Survivor, The Contender) and experience with clients like NBCUniversal (The Tonight Show, Universal Destinations & Experiences) to build a strong foundation in capturing real life, beautifully. Adrenaline's deep roots in documentary compel them to keep creating films that connect and move audiences, because a story worth telling is worth telling well.

About Philadelphia Ballet 

Founded in 1963 by Barbara Weisberger, a protégée of George Balanchine, Philadelphia Ballet is one of the nation’s premier ballet companies and a true cultural treasure of Philadelphia. Furthering a sixty-year artistic lineage in Philadelphia, The Ruth & A. Morris Williams, Jr. Artistic Director Angel Corella leads an ensemble of 50 dancers from around the world and an ever-evolving repertoire of classic and contemporary works. The Dr. Carolyn Newsom Chief Executive Officer, Shelly Power spearheads development and strategic plans to strengthen and expand the company’s presence and impact locally, nationally and internationally. Recognized as one of the top ten ballet companies in the United States, Philadelphia Ballet’s 32-member Board of Trustees is led by local business leader and philanthropist David F. Hoffman. In addition to its performances at the historic Academy of Music, Philadelphia Ballet serves more than 15,000 individuals across the region every year with hands-on arts education and engagement activities brought to children and adults alike, regardless of ability or socioeconomic background. For more, visit philadelphiaballet.org or connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Philadelphia Ballet is supported in part by a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development, and receives support from The Philadelphia Cultural Fund and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

About Museum of the American Revolution 

The Museum of the American Revolution uncovers and shares compelling stories about the diverse people and complex events that sparked America’s ongoing experiment in liberty, equality, and self-government. Through the Museum’s unmatched collection, immersive galleries, powerful theater experiences, and interactive elements, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for how this nation came to be and feel inspired to consider their role in ensuring that the promise of the American Revolution endures. Located just steps away from Independence Hall, the Museum serves as a portal to the region’s many Revolutionary sites, sparking interest, providing context, and encouraging exploration. The Museum, which opened on April 19, 2017, is an independent, nonprofit, and non-partisan organization. For more information, visit www.AmRevMuseum.org or call 877.740.1776.