This week marks the culmination of an extraordinary endeavour: the podcast series A Dictionary of Ukrainian Emotions. Created by Ukrayinska Pravda in collaboration with American and Ukrainian contributors, the series breathes life into nine English-language plays from A Dictionary of Emotions in a Time of War: 20 Short Works by Ukrainian Playwrights (edited by John Freedman). Each episode masterfully weaves together gripping drama and thoughtful dialogue, enhanced by interviews with the playwrights and actors who shaped these compelling works.
The journey behind the scenes reflects a collective effort driven by passion and expertise. John Freedman spearheaded the preparation and production of the English-language podcasts, engaging in insightful conversations with authors and actors to uncover the creative processes and stories behind each play. Nina Kamberos, instrumental in publishing the collection of plays, played a key role in assembling and coordinating talented actors to bring the texts to life.
The professionalism of Dmytro Volkovynskyi and Fedir Popadiuk ensured top-tier podcast production for Ukrayinska Pravda, resulting in a polished and impactful final product. Additionally, the Ukrainian drama showcase team — Dmytro Ternovyi, Valentyna Tujina, Iryna Harets, and Anna Halas — offered indispensable support, helping to translate and present contemporary Ukrainian drama to a global audience. This project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and the enduring resonance of Ukrainian stories in a time of profound significance.
The inaugural episode
The inaugural episode of A Dictionary of Ukrainian Emotions podcast introduces listeners to a powerful exploration of Ukrainian voices and experiences. In Part 1 of this episode, American actress Alessandra Torresani performs a reading of How to Talk to the Dead, a deeply evocative text by Anastasiia Kosodii. Written during the initial days of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the text encapsulates the raw and emotional reality of that turbulent time.
The episode features a conversation between the podcast's host, John Freedman — a renowned writer, translator, and commentator — Anastasiia Kosodii, the author of the text, and Nina Kamberos, founder of Laertes Press. Their discussion sheds light on the text's origins and its place within a larger collection of Ukrainian plays, composed in the early months of the war by playwrights of the Theatre of Playwrights. This collection serves as the foundation for the podcast series, highlighting the creative resilience of Ukrainian artists.
The second episode
The second episode of A Dictionary of Ukrainian Emotions podcast continues its exploration of Ukrainian voices with a poignant performance by acclaimed actress Kristin Milward. In this episode, Milward narrates I Want to Go Home, a powerful text by Ukrainian playwright Oksana Savchenko, offering a deeply moving perspective on themes of displacement, longing, and resilience.
Kristin Milward brings her exceptional talent and depth to this reading, drawing upon a rich and diverse background shaped by her upbringing and professional achievements. Born to an English father and Norwegian mother, she was immersed in multiple cultures from an early age, spending her childhood traveling between England and Norway. This early exposure to varied traditions laid the foundation for her profound appreciation of diverse artistic expressions.
Milward's formal training includes studies at prestigious institutions such as the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, where she honed her craft in acting and performance. Her career spans a wide range of roles in theatre, film, and television, with particular acclaim for her performances in Shakespearean works, including Macbeth and King Lear. Her ability to embody complex and multifaceted characters has earned her a reputation as a versatile and deeply insightful performer.
Of particular note is Kristin Milward's unwavering support for Ukraine and its cultural resilience. Since the early days of Russia's full-scale invasion, she has actively championed Ukrainian voices and narratives. In December 2022, she collaborated with the Finborough Theatre to bring Neda Nezhdana’s A Pussy in Memory of Darkness to Ukraine. Directed by Paula Creed and translated by John Farndon, the production marked a historic moment as the first foreign theatre company to perform in Ukraine following the invasion. The play, part of the World Readings of Ukrainian Drama project in London organized by John Freedman, highlighted Milward’s commitment to using art as a means of solidarity and advocacy.
Kristin Milward has since returned to Ukraine multiple times, participating in cultural initiatives and supporting efforts to assist Ukrainians affected by the ongoing conflict. Her involvement in this episode underscores the profound connections between the arts, empathy, and resistance, offering listeners a compelling continuation of this vital podcast series.
The third episode
The third episode of A Dictionary of Ukrainian Emotions podcast presents a profound exploration of resistance, resilience, and humor in the face of adversity. American actor, director, and producer Wayne Maugans, celebrated for his versatile work in theatre, film, and television, performs a reading from The Peed-Upon Armoured Personnel Carrier, a compelling play by Ukrainian playwright Oksana Grytsenko.
Set in a small village in southern Ukraine during the Russian occupation, Grytsenko's play captures the evolving emotions of the villagers as they confront the realities of invasion. Initially gripped by confusion and fear, they gradually find their courage and channel their anger into an unexpected and extraordinary act of defiance. Through its unique blend of stark realism and biting humour, the play examines the complexities of life under occupation and the ways in which ordinary people find strength in extraordinary circumstances.
Following the reading, podcast host John Freedman — an esteemed writer, translator, and commentator — engages in a thoughtful dialogue with Wayne Maugans. Their discussion delves into the themes raised by the play, exploring how fear reshapes a community’s sense of security and belonging. They also reflect on the difficult choices faced by those living under occupation: the decision to stay despite the risks, and the moral and emotional dimensions of resistance.
Through this conversation, the episode highlights the enduring human capacity to find meaning, unity, and even humour in the darkest of times. Maugans' evocative performance, combined with Freedman's insightful commentary, offers listeners an intimate connection to the lived experiences and emotional landscapes of those impacted by the war in Ukraine.
The fourth episode
The fourth episode of A Dictionary of Ukrainian Emotions podcast features the iconic American actor Joe Spano, widely acclaimed for his extraordinary talent and significant contributions to cinema and theatre. In this episode, Spano delivers a powerful reading of Call by Your Names, a profound work by Ukrainian playwright Tetiana Kytsenko that explores themes of identity, memory, and truth.
Written during the early days of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Kytsenko’s text grapples with the ways in which war redefines self-perception and forces a reevaluation of cultural heritage. The play raises essential questions about national identity, inviting audiences to reconsider how they define their connections to the spaces, landmarks, and traditions that shape daily life. In moments of profound crisis, this reflection becomes an act of both resistance and renewal—an effort to build a collective national identity grounded in shared experiences, values, and aspirations.
Following Joe Spano’s evocative reading, the podcast’s host, John Freedman—renowned writer, translator, and cultural commentator—engages in a thoughtful conversation with the actor. Together, they delve into the complexities of national identity, examining its origins, its fluid nature, and its transformation in response to historical events. Their discussion offers an exploration of how the past and present intertwine to shape collective memory and a people’s sense of belonging.
The fifth episode
The fifth episode of A Dictionary of Ukrainian Emotions podcast features an evocative performance by Kevin McMonagle, a celebrated figure in the UK theatre world. Under the sensitive and skilful direction of Simon Usher, Artistic Director of Presence Theatre, McMonagle delivers a deeply nuanced reading of Survivor's Syndrome, a dramatic poem by Ukrainian playwright Andrii Bondarenko.
Written in the immediate aftermath of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Survivor's Syndrome begins with the word “end” and closes with the word “beginning,” encapsulating a profound symbolic journey. The poem reflects the collapse of familiar realities — hopes, plans, and dreams reduced to rubble — while simultaneously hinting at renewal, resilience, and the human capacity to find meaning amidst devastation. This juxtaposition underscores the emotional and existential struggles of life during times of profound crisis, offering a powerful meditation on the duality of loss and rebirth.
Following the reading, the podcast’s host, John Freedman — a distinguished writer, translator, and commentator — engages Andrii Bondarenko in a rich and reflective discussion. Their conversation explores whether Survivor's Syndrome can be seen as a historical document, capturing the emotional and psychological toll of war on individuals and communities. Bondarenko shares personal insights into how the war has reshaped his life, his sense of identity, and his approach to creativity. He delves into the themes of recovery and the search for new meaning, reflecting on the challenges of returning to normalcy in a world irreversibly changed by conflict.
This episode offers a profound exploration of the impact of war on the human psyche and spirit, highlighting the resilience required to rebuild after trauma. McMonagle’s masterful performance, combined with Freedman’s insightful dialogue with Bondarenko, provides listeners with an intimate and thought-provoking encounter with the enduring strength of the human spirit.
The sixth episode
The sixth episode of A Dictionary of Ukrainian Emotions podcast presents a profound encounter with the work of two remarkable women. Acclaimed American actress Kathleen Chalfant, renowned for her powerful and deeply moving performances in theatre and film, delivers a poignant reading of Planting an Apple Tree, a text by Ukrainian playwright Iryna Harets.
Written during the tumultuous and harrowing early days of the full-scale invasion, Harets’ work captures the shattering of a once-familiar world and the emergence of a precarious and uncertain future. Despite the chaos, Planting an Apple Tree speaks to the possibility of renewal and hope. The text serves as a metaphorical “Victory Garden,” symbolizing resilience, the enduring strength of the human spirit, and the faith that can grow amidst destruction. Harets’ words remind us that even in the darkest times, the determination to rebuild, to love, and to hope becomes an act of defiance and courage.
Following the reading, podcast host John Freedman—a celebrated writer, translator, and cultural commentator—engages Kathleen Chalfant in an insightful discussion. Together, they reflect on the daily struggles faced by Ukrainians as they resist aggression, protect their right to life, and preserve their national identity. Freedman emphasizes the broader dimensions of Ukraine’s fight—not only as a military conflict but also as a profound spiritual process in which hope and resilience are being renewed.
The conversation further delves into the deeply personal and often painful aspects of family relationships during wartime, exploring how war impacts the bonds that sustain us. Chalfant’s reflections, combined with Harets’ evocative text, offer listeners a deeply emotional and thought-provoking perspective on the strength and determination of the Ukrainian people.
The seventh episode
The seventh episode of A Dictionary of Ukrainian Emotions podcast brings a remarkable performance by the acclaimed American actress Jessica Hecht, celebrated for her unforgettable roles in iconic TV series such as Friends and Breaking Bad. Hecht lends her voice to Flowering, a moving work by Ukrainian playwright Olha Matsiupa, and transforms every word into an emotional journey, drawing listeners into the profound depths of the heroine’s experiences.
The story is rooted in the author’s reflections on a trip to Sievierodonetsk, taken just before the full-scale invasion. In Flowering, Matsiupa revisits her dream of traveling across Ukraine—a dream repeatedly delayed under the assumption that Ukraine would “always be there.” The war, however, disrupted these expectations, exposing the fragility of the familiar and the fleeting nature of safety and stability.
More than just a travel narrative, Flowering is an intimate meditation on love, memory, and intergenerational bonds. A tender motif emerges through the author’s affection for her husband, who carries a cracker as a symbol of remembrance for the Holodomor, emphasizing the enduring importance of preserving history even amid turmoil. These deeply personal moments interweave with the broader narrative, offering a poignant reminder of the ties that connect the past and present.
After Hecht’s powerful reading, the podcast’s host, John Freedman—an accomplished writer, translator, and cultural observer—engages her in a thoughtful dialogue. Together, they delve into the central themes of memory and storytelling, exploring how narratives like Flowering preserve historical truths while fostering collective resilience. Hecht reflects on the poetic depth of Olha Matsiupa’s writing and its ability to resonate universally, transcending cultural and temporal boundaries.
The eighth episode
The eighth episode of A Dictionary of Ukrainian Emotions podcast, released on the eve of the New Year, invites listeners to an extraordinary emotional journey. The acclaimed American actress Sharon Washington, renowned for her compelling stage and screen performances, lends her voice to My Tara, a deeply evocative work by Ukrainian playwright Lyudmyla Tymoshenko.
Tymoshenko’s text begins with reflections on her childhood impressions of Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind and the haunting sound of a coffin being nailed shut—a metaphor for the irreversibility of loss. At its heart, the story captures the author’s memories of her childhood in the Ukrainian city of Ovruch, where she was sent to live with her grandmother, escaping the harsh conditions of North Kazakhstan. There, her father, an officer in the USSR’s strategic nuclear forces, was stationed amid the fear of nuclear war, a harsh climate, and the psychological strain of living under constant threat.
For the young heroine, her grandmother’s home becomes a sanctuary, a place of warmth and solace. However, decades later, during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, this childhood refuge is destroyed, adding a profound layer of loss and heartbreak to the narrative.
After Washington’s poignant reading, podcast host John Freedman — an esteemed writer, translator, and champion of Ukrainian drama — joins her in an insightful discussion. Freedman reflects on the universal themes of the text, highlighting its global resonance, evidenced by its widespread reception and over 50 performances worldwide. Sharon Washington shares her personal connections to the themes of the story, offering a nuanced perspective on the intergenerational ties, memories, and emotional complexities evoked by the text. She also draws parallels between her own experiences and those presented in Gone with the Wind, exploring how narratives of loss and resilience transcend time and geography.
The ninth and final episode
The ninth and final episode of A Dictionary of Ukrainian Emotions podcast brings the series to a powerful conclusion. This special instalment features the talented American actor of Kosovo origin, Kushtrim Hoxha, who delivers a deeply moving performance of Maksym Kurochkin’s poignant and thought-provoking text, Three Attempts to Improve Daily Life.
Kurochkin’s narrative is rooted in his personal experiences and observations, depicting life in an abandoned village in the Kyiv region during the war. The story captures the immense challenges of navigating freezing temperatures, scarce resources, and the emotional weight of wartime realities. Through the eyes of the protagonist, the text examines the unique ways his comrades confront the hardships of war—whether through quiet reflection, cherished memories, or small, comforting routines. However, the profound loss of a friend brings a devastating emotional blow, leaving an indelible mark on those left behind.
After Hoxha’s evocative reading, podcast host John Freedman — an acclaimed writer, translator, and cultural advocate — engages him in an insightful conversation. Together, they explore how people strive to maintain a semblance of normalcy in the face of relentless danger and how love and friendship become vital sources of strength and resilience. Hoxha shares his deep appreciation for Kurochkin’s nuanced portrayal of human relationships, drawing from his own experiences during the Balkan conflict. His reflections add a unique and deeply personal dimension to the discussion, highlighting the universal resonance of the text’s themes.
This final episode underscores the profound emotional depth and humanity that have defined the podcast series. It serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the Ukrainian spirit and the enduring power of storytelling to bridge cultures and foster empathy.
As the series concludes, special thanks are extended to all who contributed to this remarkable project, especially to Ukrainska Pravda for their outstanding technical support. Together, this podcast has amplified Ukrainian voices and shared their stories with the world, illuminating the universal language of emotion and resilience.
By Anna Halas