Ukraine Solidarity Event: (getting beyond) Doomsday Scrolling
Saturday, March 19, 7:00pm (EST)
The Center at West Park
165 W 86th St, New York, NY 10024
AnomalousCo, an international transdisciplinary theatre collective based in New York City, is planning an urgent evening of solidarity with Ukraine and its refugees in New York. All proceeds from the benefit will go towards refugee assistance.Tickets can be purchased via the AnamalousCo website.
The benefit will be held at The Center at West Park, a sanctuary space with high vaulted ceilings, majestic Romanesque revival architecture, and space for up to 400 guests. The performance combines excerpts from anti-war drama, communiqués from individuals impacted by the Russian government’s invasion of Ukraine, newsflashes, and live music. The event culminates in audience engagement: journalist-led discussion, art and activism.
This artistic action aims to raise awareness of the complex issues in play, from the horrific situation of Ukrainians in the war zone, to the violent suppression of Russian anti-war activists, to the global implications of this conflict. “Individually, we might not be able to stop the war, but we can engage as humanitarians,” said Kathryn Mederos Syssoyeva, co-Artistic Director of AnomalousCo. “Theatre can hold a space for speaking out, bearing witness, and promoting collective and individual humanitarian action. Gather with us, listen, think – and engage.”
AnamalousCo and their core performance team have put out a worldwide call to actors, musicians, and journalist with first hand knowledge of what’s happening on the ground in the Ukraine-Russia war zones and refugee spaces.
Contributions will include music performed by Ukrainian Village Voices, and a piece created long-distance by actor Zhenya Timokhin who has been trapped in Kharkiv since the start of the invasion. Actor Piotr Siwek, who has traveled from Warsaw where he has been engaged daily in refugee relief, will also perform. Additionally, Ukrainian journalist Alexandra Marchenko will stream into the panel discussion led by international experts on the conflict.
Proceeds of the event will be distributed equally among participating organizations including: Global Giving working to connect donors with grassroots projects, Nova Ukraine providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and Ukrainian Emergency Art Fund working to provide support to independent artists and cultural NGOs in Ukraine.
Event Program:
Theatrical Performances combines excerpts from anti-war drama; letters, communiques, poetry, and literature by people from Ukraine and bordering nations; newsflashes, and live music.
Panel Discussion with the audience on the current situation, led by journalists and academics with
expertise on the war.
Concrete Actions including volunteer or donation-based activism, traditional Ukrainian arts, letter writing, and collective art making.
Proof of Covid vaccination required.
Masks required at all times.
