May 30 7:00 pm
“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’s resilience.
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.
Since February 2024, Diary of War benefit readings produced by Kolomiec have repeatedly sold out venues across New York City, including Bedlam’s West End Theater and the Brooklyn Center for Theatre Research, raising over $90,000 for Ukrainian volunteer organizations conducting frontline medical evacuations and supporting female veterans.
This long-awaited event marks the DC premiere of Diary of War. The announcement of the DC reading has been eagerly anticipated by many who have followed the project from the start through social media, press, and word-of-mouth.
The date of May 30 was chosen deliberately: May 29, marks the one-year anniversary of the death of Iryna Tsybukh (call sign Cheka) – one of the project’s diarists, a combat medic with the Hospitallers volunteer battalion. She was killed during a rotation on the Kharkiv frontline on May 29, 2024. Since her passing, all readings have been held in her memory. We meet on the anniversary of Iryna’s death to mourn her loss and to honor her sacrifice.
Directed and co-produced by Musa Gurnis, the reading at Atlas Performing Arts Space will share the testimonies of seven Ukrainians whose lives were irrevocably changed by war:
- Iryna Tsybukh (call sign Cheka), a film producer and a project manager in civilian life, shares her work as a combat medic in the Hospitallers volunteer battalion, evacuating soldiers in hot spots on the front line. In May 2024, she was killed during her rotation.
- Olena Nikulina, the wife of Maksym Nikulin, a soldier of the Azov Regiment, describes learning about her second pregnancy while her husband was at the Azovstal factory surrounded by Russians. Since his capture, Olena has not heard from Maksym, and he has never met his son.
- Denys Khrystov, a former TV host, evacuated hundreds of people and animals from the war zone; some of the towns he visited with his evacuation assignments no longer exist.
- Julia Kochetova, a photojournalist who regularly works in Ukraine’s most dangerous places, reports about Russian war crimes. She was awarded an Emmy in 2023 and a World Press Photo Award in 2024 for her work.
- Olha Bulkina describes her work as a clown at Kyiv’s Ohmatdyt, the largest children’s hospital in Ukraine, struck by a Russian missile in the summer of 2024.
- Marat Shevchenko is a stageman and DJ who had to flee his occupied hometown of Kupiansk on an old motorcycle with his vinyl records and ethnic embroidered shirt.
- Yurii Marchenko, a Ukrainian journalist, storyteller, and editor-in-chief at Platfor.ma, a media and creative agency for social projects, tells about losing his pet pug and being unable to get timely veterinary assistance during the first weeks of the full-scale war.
The reading features a stunning cast of beloved DC actors, including: Holly Twyford, Tony Nam, Renee Wilson, Lolita Marie Horne, Emily Townley, Drew Kopas, and Jeremy Keith Hunter.
The evening will start at 7 PM with an exceptional performance by Olga Perepelytsia, a versatile bandura player and educator, followed by Georgian-Ukrainian singer-songwriter, composer and producer Sophie Villy, who will offer a unique interpretation of the Ukrainian folk song.
The upcoming Washington, DC performance will honor Iryna Tsybukh (Cheka) and raise funds in partnership with United Help Ukraine to rebuild a Hospitallers’ base destroyed by Russian forces. All proceeds go to United Help Ukraine, with donations doubled up to $20,000 by an anonymous donor. Those unable to attend are encouraged to support this vital frontline medical effort.
United Help Ukraine is 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 support 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.
Run Time: 7 PM – Bandura performance by Olga Perepeltsia; 7:30 PM – reading; 9 PM – live auction.
Ages: Ages 13+
Content Warnings: This performance includes mild swearing or ‘coarse’ language and mild references to violence and grief. This performance includes personal accounts of war, displacement, military service, and experiences in life-threatening conditions during the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Donation Details:
All funds raised from the event will be donated to United Help Ukraine, which will transfer 100% of the amount to the volunteer medical battalion Hospitallers. The money will support the rebuilding of their base, which was destroyed by Russian forces in Pavlohrad in April 2025, along with all medical supplies, equipment, and personal belongings. This base served not only as an operational center for combat medics, but also as a shelter for displaced civilians.
Attendees will have the opportunity to make further donations to Hospitallers through United Help Ukraine at the venue. There will be a live auction following the reading featuring precious cultural items from Ukraine.
Why Attend?
This reading provides an opportunity to engage with profound personal stories while supporting a significant cause. By attending, you will contribute to the ongoing efforts of United Help Ukraine, aiding those who provide critical care and support in the wartime, including the brave volunteer combat medics of Hospitallers to whose specific needs the proceeds of this event are dedicated.
Can I donate if I can’t attend the event?
Yes! You can donate directly to United Help Ukraine in support of Hospitallers – just use this link.
