Ukrainian writers have been working across literary genres to reimagine the country’s cultural narratives and establish new languages of self-determination. Reflecting on the possibilities of storytelling as a mode of civic engagement, our speakers share a selection of key works from Ukraine’s recent repertoire of dramatic literature, poetry, and prose. The readings will be followed by discussion of the role literature plays in light of Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Readings include:
Skin Deep by playwright Nataliia Blok (Kherson), translated by Keren Klimovsky, read by Molly Flynn, specialist on contemporary Ukrainian theatre (London)
A Loss: The Story of a Dead Soldier Told by His Sister by Olesya Khromeychuk, read by author Khromeychuk, director of Ukrainian Institute London
Poems by Ukrainian poet Iryna Shuvalova (Kyiv/Nanjing), translated by Uilleam Blacker, read by Maria Montague, deputy director of Ukrainian Institute London
All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Ukrainian Institute London’s programmes to support displaced Ukrainians. If you are able to donate more than £20 please support our crowdfunder here .
This event is co-organized by Ukrainian Institute London, Birkbeck Centre for Contemporary Theatre, and Camden People’s Theatre.
We are offering free tickets for displaced Ukrainians for this event. Please email info@ukrainianinstitute.org.uk to reserve.
Illustration: Hanna Strizh
"Our children live in the most deprived ward in London and their parents cannot afford to pay for the classes and activities many more privileged children enjoy after school and at the weekends. A free-to-access youth group run by a local theatre in a professional setting is an incredible opportunity."
Local school teacher
