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
Tobi King Bakare and this theatre deserve a shout-out for such a young, diverse audience. There is so much talk about audiences being full of over 60s and why, why can’t theatres get the crowds in to reflect society in general? Well, I’m happy to say that on a rainy Thursday evening, the theatre was completely full.
Caiti Grove on Before I Go in CPT's Spring 2023 season London Theatre Reviews
