УКР On May 2, The Hudson Theatres on Santa Monica Boulevard hosted an extraordinary afternoon of contemporary Ukrainian theatre — bringing together a Ukrainian playwright and a cast of American veterans.
The event was organized by Leleka Foundation as part of the tour, featuring the works of Alina Sarnatska — veteran, former frontline combat medic, and one of the most compelling new voices in modern drama. The Los Angeles event was co-organized by Igor and Elena Yasno, Christopher Loverro, and Stand with Ukraine.
Two Plays. Two Truths.
Military Mom follows a combat medic who saves lives daily while sacrificing the most intimate part of her own — raising her child.
Balance is an intimate journey of a woman veteran trying to make sense of the world after war — a searching work about trauma, memory, and the fierce struggle to hold on to one's humanity when everything else feels broken.
The readings were followed by a live Q&A with Alina Sarnatska and Christopher Loverro, founder of Warriors for Peace Theatre, moderated by journalist and film critic Zorianna Kit.
A Cast of Veterans
The plays were directed and performed by a cast assembled by Christopher Loverro — U.S. Army veteran and humanitarian volunteer who served in Iraq, and later evacuated civilians near Bakhmut, delivered food to Bucha, and brought medical supplies to frontline units after the full-scale invasion.
Actors:
Simone Silva — U.S. Army National Guard veteran, actress, writer, and producer — served on the frontlines of COVID-19, wildland fires, and civil unrest as a Public Affairs Specialist.
Vanessa Bradchulis — U.S. Army Combat Medic who served in Germany, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Washington, D.C. — is also an award-winning photographer and professional actress, with credits including the Venice Biennale-selected film RADIO.
William Paden — U.S. Navy veteran and longtime member of Warriors for Peace Theatre — brings stage, film, and television experience to the cast.
Auction
At the close of the evening, Leleka held an auction to raise additional funds. Lots included a flag and a photo signed by General Kyrylo Budanov, as well as Sarnatska's newest book S.K.A.M.
On May 3, Leleka, together with the Yasno family, hosted a private fundraising event in Calabasas. Together, over $4,000 was raised — enough to purchase 4 more tactical medical backpacks for Ukrainian frontline medics.
The Tour Concludes in Washington, D.C.
Sarnatska's U.S. tour concludes with two final stops in the nation's capital:
📍 May 11 | 7:30–9:00 PM Spooky Action Theater, 1810 16th Street NW Balance — directed by Elizabeth Dinkova, featuring Natascia Diaz spookyaction.org
📍 May 12 | 5:00–7:00 PM Ukraine House, 2134 Kalorama Rd NW
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