Pussycat in Memory of Darkness

by Neda Nejdana
directed by Elina Herasymchuk

Donbas, Eastern Ukraine, 2014. A nameless woman stands in the street. Wearing a pair of dark black sunglasses, she tries to sell a basket of kittens. She has lost everything else she holds dear: her home, her family, her hope. She recalls going to find her son among the protesters in Kyiv’s Maidan square – and discovering that the young people are right; it is no longer possible to live with the brutal oppression that has engulfed Ukraine for many generations. But the triumph of Maidan is all too brief and terror has now returned. Russia has taken over Crimea and stirred up insidious violence in her beloved Donbas homeland. Betrayed by her neighbor and brutalized by Russian-backed militia, her hope has waned for humanity. Instead, now she places her hope in finding a home for a basket of kittens, a home she cannot offer. (Shortened version.)

About the Playwright
Neda Nejdana is one of Ukraine’s leading playwrights, theatremakers, poets and translators. She is the author of 24 original plays, including The Suicide of Loneliness and When the Rain Returns, plus 8 adaptations and two collections of poetry. Born in Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region, she lives in Kyiv but is now in internal exile in Chernivtsi. She has led the Lesya Kurbas National Centre for Theatre Arts for 20 years, founded the Kyiv independent theatre MIST and is Chairman of the Confederation of Playwrights of Ukraine. Her plays such as Pussycat in Memory of Darkness, He Opens the Door, and Lost In the Fog have become potent symbols of Ukraine’s battle for independent existence. One of her most celebrated plays is the culture-defining semi-documentary drama Maidan Inferno about the pivotal events of the Maidan of 2014. It has been performed in France as well as across Ukraine. Stage readings and excerpts from Maidan Inferno have been performed in several Ukrainian cities in the months since the invasion, and her play Ovetka@ua received its wartime premiere in Uzhhorod in April 2022.
Cast
Еліна Герасимчук - акторка та режисерка з Чернігова, наразі навчається фільмейкінгу у Трініті. Еліна має на меті відкрити сучасний театр, який даруватиме людям незабутні емоції та спонукатиме до роздумів. Вона також була в жюрі вокальних конкурсів та є багаторазовою чемпіонкою України з поулденсу. Її учні також відомі як чемпіони України з повітряної гімнастики. Сьогодні, Еліна є одною з організаторок та режисерок цього заходу. 
«Я дуже вдячна Ірландії за її зацікавленість в не тільки допомозі Україні, а ще й у нашій культурі. Сподіваюсь, цей проєкт допоможе іноземцям усвідомити нашу ментальність, переживання та важливість підтримки наших збройних сил» 
Elina Herasymchuk is an actress and director from Chernihiv who is currently studying filmmaking at Trinity. Elina aims to open a contemporary theater that will provide people with unforgettable emotions and provoke reflections. She has also served as a judge in vocal competitions and is a multiple-time champion of Ukraine in pole dance. Her students are also known as champions of Ukraine in aerial sports. Today, Elina is one of the organizers and directors of this event.
"I am very grateful to Ireland for its interest not only in helping Ukraine but also in our culture. I hope this project will help foreigners understand our mentality, feelings, and the importance of supporting our armed forces."
Oleksandr (Sasha) Hroza is a 16 year old from Ukraine. When the war began he moved to Ireland, where he discovered his new passion – drama. Ever since he has been involved in many projects, with his school musical (Beauty and the Best) being the biggest one so far. 
"One day you'll see me on Broadway" – he says.
Special thanks to Artem Surzhenko who will also be participating in today's performance.
↑Back to Top