With a news cycle often saturated with political coverage that distances us from the harsh realities others face, Help Ukraine Vancouver Island’s theatrical production, A Dictionary of Emotions in Wartime offers a window into the lives of everyday people.
The play, which premiered in January, delves into the personal tales that outline everyday human experience amid crisis.
Tickets for new showings are now available! Shows are May 3 to 11, with matinee shows at 2 p.m. and evening shows at 7:30 p.m.
Founded and formerly managed by Karmen McNamara, Help Ukraine Vancouver Island’s mission is rooted in support for displaced Ukrainians.
This play strives to humanize a conflict that, for many, seems a world away. A Dictionary of Emotions in Wartime, based on real experiences shared by Ukrainian playwright Olena Astastieva and her friends, was born out of this desire for connection.
“We wanted their stories told,” McNamara emphasizes. “These are real people, not politicians or leaders. Those are the voices we want people to hear.”
The play is organized in a series of vignettes, portraying relatable emotions such as loyalty, longing and love through everyday scenarios. Striking scenes involve scenarios such as Olena deciding whether to stay in her city or not.
In another, she converses with a Russian friend whose partner is drafted. These moments are set against the backdrop of a full-scale invasion, yet they focus on the individual, the intimate, and the internal conflicts.
Public reaction
“People would exit quite sombre, thinking about the show,” McNamara says. After the first series of show production, there was an overwhelming demand for more shows.
The play challenges audience members to contemplate the conflict not through the lens of politics, but through the shared language of humanity.
“It’s easy to judge people on the other side of the world,” says McNamara. “It’s different to put ourselves in their shoes.”
What makes the play especially touching is its portrayal of contradictory emotions that many can relate to. Olena’s character, torn between staying and fleeing, mirrors the inner turmoil that resonates with anyone who has faced tough decisions.
“This could be me,” McNamara says. “We want people to see that Ukrainians are not some special people; our realities are universal.”
Humour also finds its place in the narrative. One memorable scene features Olena debating whether it’s appropriate to vacuum during a war, a poignant yet humorous moment that shows the mundane amidst chaos. “This is not a lecture,” McNamara specifies “We are here to show the real story of real people.”
For more information, visit ukrainehelpvi.ca. Buy your tickets for the next May performances here.