Diary of War: Reading Testimonies of Seven Ukrainians Affected by War

Date: May 30th, 2025
Time: 7 PM
Tickets: www.atlasarts.org
Location: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H Street NE Washington, DC 20002

“Diary of War” is a powerful benefit reading highlighting the harrowing and inspiring experiences of Ukrainians affected by the full-scale Russian invasion. Join us for this moving performance and hear DC’s most acclaimed actors use their voices to share true stories of Ukraine resilience.

About the Diary of War Project: Team and Actors

Rooted in the Diary of War documentary podcast by Ukrainian cultural activist and Time Magazine Next Generation Leader Daria Kolomiec, the project developed into impactful performances with NY’s Private Theatre, transforming true stories into profoundly moving theatrical experiences. The project captures the raw and emotional stories of Ukrainians during the full-scale Russian war, providing a window into the personal impact of the ongoing invasion.

Directed and co-produced by Musa Gurnis, the reading at Atlas Performing Arts Center will share the testimonies of seven Ukrainians whose lives were irrevocably changed by war.

The reading features a stunning cast of beloved DC actors, including: Holly Twyford, Tony Nam, Lolita Marie Clayton, Emily Townley, and others.

• Holly Twyford as Iryna Tsybukh – a film producer and project manager who served as a volunteer combat medic with Hospitallers. Russia killed her on May 29, 2024.
• Emily Townley as Julia Kochetova – a photojournalist documenting Russian war crimes. Emmy winner (2023), World Press Photo Award recipient (2024).
• Tony Nam as Denys Khrystov – a former TV host who evacuates people and animals from frontline towns, many of which no longer exist.
• Lolita Marie Horne as Olha Bulkina – a hospital clown at Ohmatdyt, Ukraine’s largest children’s hospital, hit by a Russian missile in July 2024.
• Drew Kopas as Yurii Marchenko – a journalist who shares the loss of his dog during the chaotic early days of the full-scale invasion.
• Renee Wilson as Olena Nikulina – whose husband Marksym, Ukraine’s defender from the Azov regiment, was captured by the Russians in May 2022, while Olena found out about her pregnancy. She has heard nothing from him since and is raising their kids alone.
• Jeremy Keith Hunter as Marat Shevchenko – a DJ and stageman who fled Russian occupation on a motorcycle with only his records and an embroidered shirt.

The upcoming performance also serves as a significant cultural and humanitarian effort, spotlighting the resilience of the Ukrainian people and supporting those who provide vital care and assistance in wartime.

Fundraising to Support Ukrainians

All funds raised from this event will be transferred to United Help Ukraine – a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit providing humanitarian, medical, and psychological assistance to those affected by the Russian war in Ukraine since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea and occupied part of eastern Ukraine. UHU also raises awareness and advocates for Ukraine to remain a free, democratic, and independent nation.

As part of its medical aid program, UHU will provide supplies for Hospitallers, a Ukrainian volunteer organization that delivers crucial medical care on the battlefield, facilitates the evacuation of the wounded, and assists with their recovery. Since its inception in 2014, Hospitallers have been instrumental in evacuating over 20,000 people from combat zones and continue their essential work to this day.

Join our event! Make a difference! Bring your American friends – more people need to hear these stories. The world must know what war really means for those who are standing for democracy and freedom!