Ukrainian War Diaries Come to Life on Stage, Raising $32K

On February 24, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the West End Theatre in New York City hosted a sold-out documentary reading of Diary of War. Renowned American actors read real-life testimonies from Ukrainians reflecting on their experiences in the early days of the war.

Organized by cultural activist and producer Daria Kolomiec in partnership with Bedlam and the Private Theatre, the event raised $32,532 for United Help Ukraine, which will direct all proceeds to the volunteer medical battalion Hospitallers.

Cultural activist Daria Kolomiec, named a Next Generation Leader by Time magazine, has spearheaded US-based advocacy efforts since 2022, raising over $60,000 to support Hospitallers and the Women Veteran Movement NGO. The Diary of War script is drawn from her podcast, which includes 41 Ukrainian testimonies recorded during the war’s early weeks.

You can listen to many of the diary entries here.

The Diary of War reading in New York served a dual purpose: to remind Americans of the ongoing war in Ukraine and to encourage direct support for Ukrainian frontline medics. Directed by Musa Gurnis, the performance spotlighted seven real diary entries from Ukrainians.

The evening opened with an instrumental set by singer and bandurist Teryn Kuzma, followed by a moment of silence for Ukraine’s fallen defenders. Ukrainian Village Voices’ singers Ulana Pryjmak and Laryssa Czebiniak performed a vocal composition in dialogue—one voice on stage, the other in the audience—symbolizing the connection between those living through war and those hearing their stories worldwide.

Throughout the performance, actors read firsthand testimonies collected by Kolomiec for her Diary of War podcast in spring 2022. These accounts included: Iryna Tsybukh, known by the call sign Cheka, served as a combat medic in the Hospitallers volunteer battalion, evacuating soldiers from frontline hotspots before being killed in action in May 2024. Olena Nikulina, the wife of a soldier in the Azov Brigade, discovered she was pregnant with their second child while her husband was besieged at the Azovstal factory.

Since his capture, she has had no contact with him. Denys Khrystov, a former television host, rescued hundreds of people and animals from the war zone, including towns that have since been wiped out. Photojournalist Julia Kochetova has documented Russian war crimes, earning an Emmy in 2023 and a World Press Photo Award in 2024.

Olha Bulkina worked as a clown at Kyiv’s Ohmatdyt children’s hospital, which was struck by a Russian missile in the summer of 2024. Marat Shevchenko, a DJ, fled his occupied hometown on a motorcycle, bringing only his vinyl records and a traditional embroidered shirt. Yurii Marchenko, a journalist and editor-in-chief at Platfor.ma shared his experiences of losing his pet pug and struggling to find veterinary care in the war’s early weeks.

The Ukrainian stories were brought to life by a distinguished cast of American actors, including Laila Robins, known for her roles in Homeland, The Blacklist, and The Boys; Ismenia Mendes, recognized from Orange Is the New Black and High Maintenance; Christopher Livingston, who appeared in You, WeCrashed, and Let the Right One In.

Jake Hart, featured in Big George and The Deuce; Carson Elrod, known from The Wedding Crashers and Peter and the Starcatcher; Sarah Wharton, acclaimed for Godless and The Volunteers; and Jason Bowen, who appeared in Mother/Android and Chicago P.D.

At the end of the reading, Kolomiec shared updates on the individuals behind the stories.

A video message from Iryna Tsybukh, recorded just weeks before her death, was played. Following the reading, a charity auction featured personal items donated by the original diarists. Among them was a book co-authored by Yurii Marchenko, a vinyl record from Marat Shevchenko’s collection, and a photograph of Iryna Tsybukh, taken by her friend Julia Kochetova. These items were auctioned by the actors, with proceeds going to frontline medics.

Actor Laila Robins emphasized the importance of recognizing the war and naming Russia as the aggressor, stating, “It’s very important for Americans to wake up and look at what’s happening in Ukraine.”

Director Musa Gurnis added that she is inspired by Ukraine’s unity and collective action, calling it an example for others to follow. Kolomiec explained that the event’s impact went beyond the reading itself. “My goal is to tell Ukraine’s story to Americans in a way they understand, and each time, our voice becomes louder,” she said.