Five plays: A nation’s fight for freedom.
From the producer-director of the Olivier Award-nominated The Great Game – Afghanistan comes a powerful cycle of short plays about courage, truth and survival in the face of tyranny.
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| Jade Williams |
Ukraine Unbroken charts twelve turbulent years of modern Ukrainian history, from the Maidan protests of 2014 to Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 and beyond. Across five gripping plays by some of today’s most acclaimed British and Ukrainian writers, including David Edgar, David Greig and Natalka Vorozhbit, we explore the resilience of a nation determined to remain free.
Performed with live Ukrainian music from Mariia Petrovska on the bandura and woven through with headlines and voices from the front line, Ukraine Unbroken is a portrait of resistance and resilience.
We sat down with cast member Jade Williams to learn more about the plays.
Ukraine Unbroken addresses a tumultuous time in a nation’s history. What drew you to tell these particular stories?
Reading the plays was a radicalising experience for me. It’s astonishing that the war in Ukraine is the deadliest and most intense conflict in Europe since World War II, and it seems to have dropped out of people’s consciousness. The plays are all remarkable stories about ordinary people in the most extraordinary of circumstances, it’s a privilege to tell their stories.
The plays draw inspiration from actual events. Can you tell us about the structure and themes of the production?
Yes, the first story addresses the Maidan protests in 2014 which provides a helpful context for where we are today. There are four further plays, which continue chronologically into present day Ukraine. Between each play, we have Mariia a Ukrainian banduras player, who guides us into each one with personal and cultural reflections. Without wanting to give anything away, her story is deeply moving and shocking, and her music is utterly beguiling and enchanting. She is extraordinarily special.
Yes, the first story addresses the Maidan protests in 2014 which provides a helpful context for where we are today. There are four further plays, which continue chronologically into present day Ukraine. Between each play, we have Mariia a Ukrainian banduras player, who guides us into each one with personal and cultural reflections. Without wanting to give anything away, her story is deeply moving and shocking, and her music is utterly beguiling and enchanting. She is extraordinarily special.
How do you approach playing numerous different roles and getting into the headspace of each character?
As a company, led by Nick Kent, we’ve done a lot of research into the lives of the people’s stories we are telling. We’ve also had our brilliant Associate director Victoria and assistant director Marina who are both Ukrainian, and they’ve both been invaluable to me providing insight into a more Eastern way of life. With that in mind, it’s quite easy to then get into the head space of each character as the worlds they all live in are fully formed.
As a company, led by Nick Kent, we’ve done a lot of research into the lives of the people’s stories we are telling. We’ve also had our brilliant Associate director Victoria and assistant director Marina who are both Ukrainian, and they’ve both been invaluable to me providing insight into a more Eastern way of life. With that in mind, it’s quite easy to then get into the head space of each character as the worlds they all live in are fully formed.
How does the incorporation of live Ukrainian music enhance the theatrical experience?
The music is stirring, haunting, beautiful, just utterly beguiling. I had never heard a bandura before. It’s described as a shimmering waterfall in the plays and that description is so accurate. It’s also been a symbol of Ukrainian resistance as bandura players have historically been persecuted and even killed for playing it.
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| Jade Williams |
One of the plays, Taken by Cat Goscovitch, handles a particularly sensitive topic. How do you approach such heavy themes in a way that honours the experiences of those affected?
Again, a huge amount of research has been important to ensure we are telling this particular story accurately. I had vaguely heard about the abducted Ukrainian children but I had no idea about the deeply sinister project motivating these abductions. There is a grand plan for these children which is beyond horrifying. To honour the people affected, as an actor I will try to tell the story with honesty and authenticity.
How do you mentally and physically prepare ahead of a run in a piece of theatre like Ukraine Unbroken?
Taking care of yourself during rehearsals is important! I try to get as much sleep as possible, and eat well! I have a tendency to become quite blinkered during rehearsals, and unable to watch or read anything unrelated to the particular project I’m working on. I’m not always sure that’s particularly healthy but it seems to be the way my brain likes to work.
Again, a huge amount of research has been important to ensure we are telling this particular story accurately. I had vaguely heard about the abducted Ukrainian children but I had no idea about the deeply sinister project motivating these abductions. There is a grand plan for these children which is beyond horrifying. To honour the people affected, as an actor I will try to tell the story with honesty and authenticity.
How do you mentally and physically prepare ahead of a run in a piece of theatre like Ukraine Unbroken?
Taking care of yourself during rehearsals is important! I try to get as much sleep as possible, and eat well! I have a tendency to become quite blinkered during rehearsals, and unable to watch or read anything unrelated to the particular project I’m working on. I’m not always sure that’s particularly healthy but it seems to be the way my brain likes to work.
What do you do to unwind away from the job?
Well, my post-show wind-down used to be a glass of wine and a cigarette, but these days it’s more likely to be a cup of tea and some toast. Long walks with my dog and playing Sylvanian Families with my daughter are good wind-downs on the weekend.
What was the first piece of theatre you remember having a big impact on you?
The Pillowman at the National Theatre with David Tennant and Jim Broadbent was a very, very formative experience. I had a Travelex £10 ticket and was blown away by what theatre could do.
What do you hope audiences take away from their experience with Ukraine Unbroken?
I hope they go away with an understanding about the uniqueness of the Ukrainian spirit and what the people of Ukraine have contended with for so very long. Today is day 1454 of the war, and still their spirit remains undimmed. I have tried not to over romanticise Ukrainian people, but there is something undeniably special about the people.
I hope they go away with an understanding about the uniqueness of the Ukrainian spirit and what the people of Ukraine have contended with for so very long. Today is day 1454 of the war, and still their spirit remains undimmed. I have tried not to over romanticise Ukrainian people, but there is something undeniably special about the people.
Ukraine Unbroken runs at Arcola Theatre from 27th February until 28th March 2026. Tickets are available from https://www.arcolatheatre.com/event/ukraine-unbroken/
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