MetroStage at the Lyceum presents:

Ukrainian Play Reading Project

Wednesday, September 20th 7:30pm

The Alliance for New Music-Theatre, in solidarity with Phil Arnoult’s Center for International Theatre Development (CITD), which commissioned a host of plays after Putin’s army invaded Ukraine for their Ukrainian Hope Initiative, is producing this play reading series. John Freedman has served as the translator. We applaud CITD's efforts to support playwrights in war-torn Ukraine. Donations are strongly encouraged, and all proceeds will go through CITD to support Ukrainian theatre artists directly.

Members of the cast include Lise Bruneau, Michael Kevin Darnall, Karina Hilleard, Matty Griffiths, and Jakob Szász. Pianist Jacqueline Schwab and Andrew Simpson on accordion will perform original music composed for this series of plays. Artist Director Susan Galbraith and Matty Griffiths will co-direct. Don’t miss the opportunity to be moved and to stand in solidarity with Ukraine and support the courageous artists who continue to voice the pain, rage, and resilience of its people.

Victoria Amelina, one of Ukraine’s most celebrated young poets, was a recent casualty of Putin’s war of aggression. To remember her, we will include a reading of one of her most powerful poems with the Ukrainian Play Readings. “Ginger” Bognar will interpret the poet’s words, linking this tribute to this interwoven evening of short plays selected from the commissioned plays by partners at the Center for International Theatre Development.

All readings will include a post-show conversation to raise awareness of the ongoing struggle more than a year into this war of Russian aggression and keep our Ukrainian friends and allies in our hearts. To learn more about the project, including how you can support Ukrainian artists and to host an additional Ukrainian Play Readings event, go to Ukrainian Plays Reading (www.newmusictheatre.org).

Information regarding the Ukrainian Hope Initiative, visit https://www.citd.us/worldwide- ukrainian-play-reading

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to appreciate Ukrainian culture through the art of theater. Grab your friends and family, and join us at The Lyceum for an evening that will leave you inspired and wanting more! See you there!