Only Hope & The Escape Artist | 2 Royal Avenue
Arts
Theater
Ulster University Drama in association with Belfast Learning Festival is proud to present their powerful new work, “Only Hope & The Escape Artist” uncovering the deeply personal experience of two young Ukrainian women in an evocative and emotional journey that delves into the devastating experience of war and displacement. Set against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, these autobiographical performances explore themes of survival, identity, loss, and hope as our protagonists are individually forced to leave their homeland, families, and the only life they have known, in search of safety. 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 stories will be performed at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, as part of Belfast Learning Festival on the 10th April at 4pm. 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 - Ulster University, Drama. Total Running time: 65 minutes, Performed in English. Anastasiia Todchuk - Only Hope
Information Source: Dr. Adrian O'Connell | eventbrite