Ukraine Unbroken

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.

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 Vorozhbyt, 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.

Join us for an evening of theatre, testimony and tribute to the unbreakable spirit of Ukraine.

The Plays
Act 1: Demonstrations & Invasions

Always – Jonathan Myerson

In Always by Jonathan Myerson (BBC’s Nuremberg: The Trial of the Nazi War Criminals), a married couple is held hostage inside Hotel Ukraina in 2014 as their son protests in Maidan Square below.
Five Day War – David Edgar

David Edgar (The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby; Destiny) takes a darkly comic and sinister look at the ambition and delusion of Russia’s 2022 “Special Military Operation” – an invasion that was not an invasion and a war that was not a war.
Act 2: War

Three Mates – Natalka Vorozhbyt

Natalka Vorozhbyt (Bad Roads) explores the shame of survival in Three Mates, translated by Sasha Dugdale – a darkly humorous confession from a Ukrainian man in hiding from conscription, reflecting on the different paths through the war he and his friends have taken.
Wretched Things – David Greig

David Greig’s (Dunsinane; The Events) Wretched Things tells a story of Ukrainian front-line troops who have captured a wounded North Korean soldier and must decide whether to risk their own lives to save his.
Taken – Cat Goscovitch

Cat Goscovitch (A Russian Doll) confronts the harrowing reality of the 20,000 Ukrainian children stolen by Russia in Taken, which follows one mother’s search for her daughter through a world of propaganda and re-education, where both childhood and country are erased.
📍 Venue Description:

The Arcola Theatre is an Off West End theatre located in the London Borough of Hackney, founded in 2000 by artistic director Mehmet Ergen. It hosts numerous plays, operatic performances and musicals featuring up-and-coming talent, as well as eminent artists. Every year, the theatre showcases many original works and new age productions, as well as world drama pieces and classics. Situated on Ashwin Street, Dalston, this iconic venue has two rehearsal studios, two studio theatres, and a café-slash-bar.

<h2>Welcome to the Arcola Theatre</h2>

The Arcola theatre runs one of the largest arts engagement programmes in East London, creating many opportunities for the local community. Since its establishment, it has functioned as an important platform for launching many world-famous theatre actors, playwrights, and artists. It is also on its way to becoming the first carbon-neutral theatrical venue in the world, as part of the Green Arcola project. The theatre offers people from all walks of life the opportunity to enjoy quality entertainment at reasonable prices. It has won many prestigious awards over the years for its contributions to the artistic community.

<h2>History of the Theatre</h2>

The Arcola Theatre was originally situated in an Arcola Street textile factory but had to move to the current Ashwin Street location in 2011. It has been integral to the British theatre landscape for two decades, enjoying an eventful journey with many milestones over the years. The theatre hosted The Factory Girls by Frank McGuiness on its fifth anniversary. It celebrated its move to its current location with a premiere of The Painter by Rebecca Lenkiewicz. The awards it received include two Peter Brook Empty Space Awards, and the 2003 and 2006 Time Out Live Awards.

A co-production of Mojo Mickey by playwright Owen McCafferty was the first of the theatre’s West End transfers to the Trafalgar Studios. In 2007, the theatre also hosted the first season of Grimeborn, an annual musical theatre and opera festival held for two weeks in August. Another significant milestone in the history of the theatre is the launch of the Arcola Queer Collective in September 2014.

<h3>Have a Great Time at the Arcola Theatre!</h3>

A visit to the Arcola Theatre is a rewarding experience for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. It is among the best Off West End theatres in London, offering a vast array of events throughout the year. You can catch a play or an elaborate musical theatre experience in the company of your family and friends. Ticket prices are quite affordable, and the theatre features a convenient layout as well as comfortable seating. The intimate studio setting also gives viewers an interesting perspective along with the unique ambience offered by the theatre.

Theatre enthusiasts can enjoy contemporary and classic pieces on the main stage at incredibly close distances from the performers. The Grimeborn opera festival in August is a great time to catch some standout performances. Enjoy a great evening with your loved ones at Arcola Theatre.

🎉 Welcome to Ukraine Unbroken , where dreams come alive and possibilities are endless! 🏛️ Join us at Arcola Theatre in the heart of London, EN for an event that defies expectations. 📅 On February 27th, 2026 at 07:30 PM, be part of something truly extraordinary as we bring together innovation, entertainment, and pure magic. ✨ Every aspect has been carefully designed to ensure an unforgettable experience for all our guests. Whether you're seeking adventure, inspiration, or simply a break from the ordinary, this event promises to deliver beyond your wildest dreams. 🎟️ Secure your spot with tickets at 19.00 GBP. 🎊 Prepare for a journey into the extraordinary!

Also check out other Arts events in London, Theatre events in London, Performances in London.