Art in the Rubble: Ukrainian Women Take the Cockpit in a Theatrical Blitz of Talent and Fury article by Pete Shaw

In a two-night theatrical and musical blitz called Nights for Ukraine, Stone Wolf Productions is sending in a battalion of Ukrainian talent to remind us that, even in a war zone, art doesn’t retreat. It fights.

This isn’t just a show. It’s a cultural counteroffensive. A war cry draped in velvet, harmony, and grit.

At the vanguard is Kristin Milward, delivering an incendiary solo in The Trumpeter — a monologue forged in the steel-bending silence beneath the Azovstal bunkers of Mariupol. If that sentence doesn't chill your spine, her performance will. Penned by Ukrainian powerhouse Inna Goncharova and directed by exile auteur Vladimir Shcherban, this play has already racked up critical rapture across Europe. Think Beckett meets Bunker, with a trumpet score of human survival.

Sandwiched between this theatrical gut-punch and a rousing musical finale is a double-shot of fresh Ukrainian playwriting that dares to whisper sweetness in a time of shelling. Asia Pshenychna’s Life is Absurd But Love is Good and Kseniia Koziievska’s Christmas in the Shade are brought to life by British acting royalty Maureen Beattie and Matthew Zajac — lending gravitas to the Gen Z generation's war diary.

But don’t buckle up yet. The evenings close with music so hauntingly gorgeous it might just reassemble your soul. Enter Mariia Yaremak, pianist-composer-YouTube-sensation whose fantasy-infused Ukrainian folk riffs could make Rachmaninoff weep. Alongside her is Mariia Petrovska, the bandura-wielding siren with a voice like liquid crystal — performing songs shaped in trenches and sung into the ears of the world.

This isn’t just a show. It’s a cultural counteroffensive. A war cry draped in velvet, harmony, and grit. And at just £16.45 a ticket (if you’re quick), it’s also the best way to drop bombs on apathy. Nights for Ukraine is at Cockpit Theatre, London 7.30pm, Fri 23 & Sat 24 May.

Since you’re here…

… we have a small favour to ask. We don't want your money to support a hack's bar bill at Abattoir, but if you have a pound or two spare, we really encourage you to support a good cause. If this article has either helped you discover a gem or avoid a turkey, consider doing some good that will really make a difference.

You can donate to the charity of your choice, but if you're looking for inspiration, there are three charities we really like.

Show me the charities

Mama Biashara
Kate Copstick’s charity, Mama Biashara, works with the poorest and most marginalised people in Kenya. They give grants to set up small, sustainable businesses that bring financial independence and security. That five quid you spend on a large glass of House White? They can save someone’s life with that. And the money for a pair of Air Jordans? Will take four women and their fifteen children away from a man who is raping them and into a new life with a moneymaking business for Mum and happiness for the kids.
Donate to Mama Biashara now

Theatre MAD
The Make A Difference Trust fights HIV & AIDS one stage at a time. Their UK and International grant-making strategy is based on five criteria that raise awareness, educate, and provide care and support for the most vulnerable in society. A host of fundraising events, including Bucket Collections, Late Night Cabarets, West End Eurovision, West End Bares and A West End Christmas continue to raise funds for projects both in the UK and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Donate to Theatre MAD now

Acting For Others
Acting for Others provides financial and emotional support to all theatre workers in times of need through the 14 member charities. During the COVID-19 crisis Acting for Others have raised over £1.7m to support theatre workers affected by the pandemic.
Donate to Acting For Others now