performing arts in print
Six Young Women Putting On A Play
A Diary of Theatre and War: Kyiv, 2025
with foreword by John Lahr
published by Wordville
“I am more than what has happened to me.”
In January 2025, Richard Nelson, American director and playwright, embarked on an artistic endeavour at the Theater on Podil, Kyiv, in the midst of the ongoing war. He spent ten weeks of intense rehearsals directing When the Hurlyburly’s Done, a play he wrote for six young actors, some of whom had lived half their lives in wartime. His recent journey and creative
process in Kyiv, Ukraine, present a deeply human narrative, showcasing resilience, creativity and the universal impact of drama to explain and share stories of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Richard’s daily chronicle, Six Young Women Putting on a Play, captures the emotional intricacies of creating art under extraordinary circumstances. His narrative intertwines the personal and professional, offering a rare glimpse into the transformative power of theatre during times of upheaval.
Rehearsals with Richard Nelson and the cast of When the Hurlyburly’s Done at Theater on Podil, January 2025.
