Written and performed by Anastasiia Todchuk “Only Hope” presents the inspiring story of Stacey, a courageous 16-year-old girl, who is thrust into a world of uncertainty and grief as the violence of war ravages her country. Fleeing without her family, Stacey’s journey from her war-torn city to an unknown future in a foreign land, highlights the immense physical, emotional, and psychological toll that war takes on the innocent, especially the youngest among us.
Tatiana Novokhatnia performs “The Escape Artist”, an autobiographical performance about a young Ukrainian refugee whose journey of survival and self-discovery is intertwined with her imagination and creative writing. This gripping theatrical experience explores the intersection of trauma, resilience, and the transformative power of storytelling, as one woman seeks to reclaim her sense of agency and hope after losing everything in the wake of war.
This compelling work reflects the universal struggle of refugees, while offering a deeply personal expression of the psyche of young women, coming to terms with losing everything: family, community, a sense of safety and belonging. As they journey through perilous landscapes—both real and internal, these courageous young artists grapple with the difficult question: What does home mean when the place you call home no longer exists?
This work is a timely and poignant reminder of the humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold in Ukraine and around the world and serves as both a call for empathy and a reflection on the resilience of the human spirit. The performance promises to leave audiences reflecting on the plight of refugees and the indomitable strength of those caught in the maelstrom of conflict. The plays will be performed at The Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, Co.Donegal on the 26th March at 8pm. The work is suitable for audiences of 12+ and is a powerful educational tool for discussions surrounding the refugee experience, war, and survival.
Directed by Dr.Adrian O’Connell. Total Running time: 65 minutes, Performed in English.
‘Playmakers’ is an Ulster University In-house production company on the Drama degree program in Derry /Londonderry. The Playmakers program was created by Dr. Adrian O’Connell (UU Access Ambassador) for the development of professional, original theatre practice among their dynamic student cohort. Adrian has 25 years' experience in the industry combining Theatre and Live Performance, Digital Storytelling and Community Engagement. Playmakers in its 8th year, has a history of producing thought-provoking and socially conscious theatre that tackles some of the most urgent issues of our time, especially issues impacting young people. With a commitment to artistic excellence and social change, Playmakers continue to bring compelling narratives to the stage that challenge and inspire audiences to think critically about the world around them.