Derry University students bring journey of survival and hope to Foyle Arts Centre

Ulster University Drama present their new work on the impact of War and refugee life in Europe in Derry's Foyle Arts Centre next month.

'Only Hope & The Escape Artist' uncovers 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, Anastasiia Todchuk (19) and Tatiana Novokhatnia (25), both Ukrainian nationals living in Ireland since 2022 and current students at Magee, will perform their powerful and personal autobiographical stories through the medium of Drama.

These performances explore themes of survival, identity, loss, and hope as the 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.

Speaking ahead of their upcoming performances, Dr. Adrian O'Connell, Director, said: “This work highlights the realities of war and the profound impact on those affected. Storytelling from experience is incredibly powerful because it brings authenticity and emotional depth to a narrative.

“Sharing lived experience allows others to connect on a personal level, which makes the message more relatable and memorable. Anastasiia and Tatiana are exceptional and courageous young women, and we are proud of their contribution to life on the Drama program at Ulster University.”

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.

'Only Hope & The Escape Artist' will be performed locally at: The Balor Arts Centre, Ballybofey, March 26 at 8pm, and Foyle Arts Centre, Derry, April 2 at 8.00pm.