Theatrical Reading

In partnership with Voyage Theater Company, we are delighted to present a one-night-only staged reading of 5000 Steps to Peace and Justice by Ukrainian writers Anna Khvyl and Piotr Armianovski.

Originally conceived as a soundwalk through the dunes of The Hague, 5000 Steps to Peace and Justice blends personal and historical memories with reflections on the idea of a “city of peace and justice.” The reading will feature Marianna Staroselsky, directed by Wayne Maugans, with sound design by Luke Hofmaier, videography by Susan Shaw, and stage management by Keri Landeiro. Supported in part by a grant from the Center for International Theatre Development (CITD), this presentation is part of LINKAGES: Ukraine, a 2025 script exchange between New York’s Voyage Theater Company and Theatre on Zhukakh in Kharkiv, Ukraine.

The event is supported by the Ukrainian Institute/Kyiv and NYSCA-A.R.T./New York Creative Opportunity Fund and is also presented in partnership with the Worldwide Ukrainian Play Reading Series, a global initiative founded by John Freedman to promote Ukrainian voices and raise support for Ukrainian charities.

There is no charge for tickets but advance registration is requested. Contributions are appreciated and we welcome your support in helping bring this production to our community. 

ABOUT THE PARTICIPANTS

Anna Khvyl is a Ukrainian sound artist, composer and researcher based in The Hague. Her work explores the role of sound in acts of commemoration and collective experience, creating temporary nomadic acoustic communities through site-specific performances.

Piotr Armianovski is a Ukrainian artist, performer and director from Donetsk, now based in Kyiv. His work explores memory, loss and social constructs of everyday life through video, performance and virtual reality.

Wayne Maugans is the founding artistic director of Voyage Theater Company, where he has directed eight mainstage productions and dozens of staged readings. Wayne holds a BFA in Acting from New York University and an MFA in Directing from CUNY/Brooklyn College, and is a member of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab and The Fence.

Marianna Staroselsky is a playwright, performer, poet, and scholar. She holds a PhD in Comparative Human Development from the University of Chicago, and an MFA in playwrighting from Columbia University. She has been a reader for the Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference and is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at City University of New York.

Voyage Theater Company (VTC) presents bold new works and international voices, fostering collaboration among theater-makers from diverse cultures. Since its 2012 debut at La MaMa with Mario Fratti’s Obama 44, VTC has produced acclaimed premieres including Intermission by Daniel Libman, The Mecca Tales and Unveiled by Rohina Malik, Sun by Adrienne Kennedy, Hope Hypothesis by Cat Miller, and Don’t Look Back by Adam Kraar. VTC also hosts the free PARTS UNKNOWN Play Reading Series, featuring new global plays and translations.

Since 1990, the Center for International Theatre Development (CITD) has connected over 800 American and global theatre artists across 10 countries. Its multi-year exchanges, focused on East Africa and Central/Eastern Europe, have seeded collaborations at nearly every major U.S. theater.

The Ukrainian Institute/Kyiv is a state institution acting in the field of cultural diplomacy. The institution’s activities are aimed at improving the understanding and perception of Ukraine in the world and the development of its cultural ties with other countries. Established by the Government of Ukraine, the Institute operates under the administration of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.