The play's premiere took place at Eventus Hall in Chicago. The production is personal and deeply moving, based on the real stories of Ukrainian Daughters Foundation volunteers who now live in the United States and have become a voice of support for Ukraine overseas. The event was dedicated to the Foundation's second anniversary.
This was reported by the Ukrainian Daughters Foundation.
Marina Osipova wrote and directed the play, and the band Vatra provided musical accompaniment. According to reports, each Foundation volunteer shared their personal story during a "confession," recounting their experiences with war, their journey to Chicago, adapting to a new environment, their volunteer activities, the challenges they faced, and their journey to becoming part of the UDF.
The production manifested deep personal experiences, loss, hope, inner strength, and solidarity with all those fighting for Ukraine, both on the front lines and behind the scenes. It was about the power of art as resistance. It was also about the importance of protests and cultural projects that promote Ukraine abroad.
"We are not just creating performances — we are creating a dialogue between the world and Ukraine," said Zoryana Smozhanyk, president of the Ukrainian Daughters Foundation.
The performance was accompanied by materials about Ukraine's defenders, which the audience provided in advance and which became part of a memorial video sequence during the performance. Anyone could send the Foundation photos and videos of relatives, friends, or acquaintances currently at war as a sign of respect and gratitude to all defenders of Ukraine.
"Yesterday, I cried throughout the entire performance. There were some moments that made me cry uncontrollably. I embrace each of the ‘daughters.’ I enjoyed every moment of 'Vatra,'" one of the guests shared.
"I am delighted with last night. It was beautiful and touching. I must have cried nine times. Especially since I was texting with my mother the entire evening. She was sitting in the basement while the air defense forces shot down missiles over the city," added another event participant.
All proceeds from the event, amounting to $50 per ticket, will be donated to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The organizers noted that demand for the event was so high that almost 200 tickets sold out a week before the event.
According to UDF President Zoryana Smozhanyk, the fund's main mission is to preserve Ukrainian identity by acting culturally, systematically, and daily so that Ukraine's voice is heard and does not disappear from the world. The foundation raises support through monthly donation subscriptions, meetings, art events, and charity events where people can spend time with friends and contribute to a worthy cause, knowing that 100% of every dollar donated goes to supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“We gathered not just to remember how it all began but also to remind ourselves why we do what we do every day. This war has changed us forever. But it has also strengthened us. It has taught us to love more deeply. To protect more fiercely. To act more decisively. That is what our foundation is all about. The people around us embody this as well. They support us, help us, and stand by us. Without you, we would not exist. "Thank you to everyone who is with us," says the Foundation's page.
Photo: Mariya Klyachko, video by Instagram Ukrainian Daughters Foundation
Author: Inna Mikhno