The one-man show “Nenarodzheni dlya viiny” (Born Not for War) has been touring America for the second week, filling venues in New York and New Jersey. This deeply moving theatrical project combines real stories of war with the delicate performance of a true actor-soldier. The cultural tour is organized by the nonprofit organization Ukrainian New Wave in cooperation with the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA).
The uniqueness of “Born Not for War” lies in the fact that onstage we see not only a professional actor but also a fighter from the legendary 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, Honored Artist of Ukraine Yevhen Avdiienko. From the very first days of the full-scale invasion, he has defended his homeland with a weapon in hand, and now he steps onto the stage to share what he has heard and experienced on the front lines. Under the direction of Anatolii Neiolov (artistic director of the Chornyi Kvadrat theater), this production has taken on the form of a kind of “military stand-up,” in which the audience virtually lives through each episode along with the performer.
This performance merges real life at the front with the stylistics of theatrical art. True stories of servicemen currently “on the front lines” are told not by a mere professional actor but by a soldier who, from the first day of the full-scale war, took up arms to defend his homeland.
At the heart of the plot are the real-life stories of the fighters of the legendary 3rd Assault Brigade. Within the monologues, black humor intertwines with raw emotions, anger, love, friendship, and combat brotherhood. Here, laughter instantly gives way to tears, and hatred for the enemy mingles with a poignant gratitude for each drop of life.
“Born Not for War is black humor, excruciating military mischief, a story about love and loneliness, and daring, dangerous adventures. It’s a real ‘fairy tale’ for adults, one you’ll want to share with friends and acquaintances.” (from the press release)
“Being afraid of war is normal…”
“Preparing for war is abnormal—at least for civilians—but being afraid is perfectly natural. What’s more frightening: someone who doesn’t fear death or the war itself?” Avdiienko asks from the stage. His stories uncover the everyday reality at the front, where you meet actors, bankers, IT specialists, or tractor drivers. Each has their own path and reasons for being caught up in the fighting, but together they all defend Ukraine.
“War is real life, only sharpened to the limit. And if you’re not afraid, you’ll never taste the true flavor of victory over the Moskals…”
(excerpt from the show)
“Smoking that does NOT kill…”
These words resonate in the show when Yevhen recalls one of the most intense clashes. A few wounded, the heat, and countless “runs” carrying the bodies of the fallen. Finding even a moment alone is a luxury. A few drags on a cigarette in a stifling room—and you already sense that bitter smoke, which seems to save your psyche more than it harms your lungs.
The performance abounds with ironic episodes on the brink of despair. One of them is about how, during the fighting for Avdiivka, one fighter had to “pretend” to be a Russian soldier in order to break out of encirclement. The scene is reminiscent of a bad joke: a vyshyvanka (traditional embroidered shirt) swapped for a fur hat, and “Snova sedaya noch” (“Another Gray Night”) suddenly becomes the password for salvation. You find yourself thinking: “Could this be true?” Turns out it could.
“And people leave people, leaving wounds…”
Another part of the show revolves around love stories that become either an extra “bulletproof vest” or an unbearable burden. Some fighter’s family “found a better life” in Austria, another’s ex-wife reappeared with unexpected confessions. These phone calls, amid artillery explosions, expose the deepest cracks in relationships. But they, too, reflect the truth about war: it speeds up everything that was meant to happen in life and cuts away the unnecessary.
War is when you can’t leave your firing sector for hours, not even to go to the bathroom. The soldiers use bottles, loosely twist the caps, and then fling them toward the enemy—“let the enemy wade knee-deep in our fury,” they joke. It’s brutal humor, but it’s precisely what gives them the strength to hold on and not break.
“Mom will talk…”
Perhaps the most touching moment: a phone call from Mom. “Yes, I’m wearing a hat, I have my socks, I’m not hungry,” we hear. And we realize artillery could strike her son at any moment, yet he pretends everything is fine so his mother can sleep a bit more soundly. “Sometimes there are too many words, but there’s never enough time,” the soldiers conclude.
“War is terrifying, and being afraid is normal. No one is born for war. But we mustn’t forget it, we must support the soldiers and understand that each fighter was once an ordinary person with dreams and a routine life.”
(from information about the show)
“Born Not for War” is an internal cry directed at the entire world: hear us, feel the pain and strength that live within the souls of those defending Ukraine. This is reality where black humor is sometimes stronger than any pain, and memories are etched not only on the body but also in art.
Every dollar raised during the performances goes to support the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade. Thus, this one-man show is not only an opportunity to witness a unique theatrical project but also a way to contribute to helping Ukrainian defenders. Powerful, sincere, at times harsh, and incredibly alive—“Born Not for War” reads not just as a soldier’s confession. It’s the voice of those who were “Born NOT for War” but became warriors to preserve life and freedom.
Author: Tamara Zaiats