Making its world premiere Off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop, Teens Ukraine Theater's Are We There Yet? documents the experiences of teenaged Ukrainian refugees as a work of verbatim theatre. Performances are set for March 25 at 7:30 PM and March 26 at 1 PM and 6 PM.
When Russia invaded Ukraine over a year ago, it sparked multiple crises including a humanitarian one. Are We There Yet? tells the stories of Ukrainian teens between the ages of 12 and 17 who have made their way to New York City from their home country since the invasion. They shared their personal stories through verbatim and educational theatre workshops which serve as the basis for the multidisciplinary production. Through their stories of displacement, Are We There Yet? explores the underlying question: Where is home?
Are We There Yet?'s creator Anya Zicer and Dima Koan direct the work which features music composed by Mariya Vasilevskaya. The final pieces written by the teens of Are We There Yet? will also become a part of The Worldwide Ukrainian Readings Project, an initiative led by John Freedman with which Teens Ukraine Theatre is affiliated. The initiative serves as the largest database of Ukrainian playwrights and plays written both before and during the war.
READ: In the Midst of War, Ukraine Is Still Making Art
A little after a year following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, theatre around the world continues to raise awareness about the ongoing war, its effects on Ukrainians still there and around the world, and the need for continuing aid. London's National Theatre recently hosted a poetry reading starring Tom Hiddleston, Kate Fleetwood, Asa Butterfield, and more as a benefit.
Zicer's theatre company Lost & Found project, which works with teenagers through educational drama, serves as producer. It is sponsored and presented by Marks JCH of Bensonhurst.
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