Humanity’s shared stories on stage

Anastasiia Shumkova has not met Dasha Volga person, but the pair already have common ground.

Both women were born in Ukraine and as the country is embroiled in war with Russia, there will be plenty to talk about.

Artist Anastasiia is looking forward to welcoming Dasha who is performing a one-woman show in Blenheim.

The Voice of the Departed centres arounds immigration stories, both past and present.

Half of all money raised will be donated to humanitarian aid organisations for displaced women and children from areas affected by the Russian invasion.

“I haven’t actually met Dasha personally, but it’s like the connection that New Zealanders have when they run into each other overseas - you become friends instantly,” Anastasia says.

“But we also want to tell people Ukraine isn’t just this war-torn place on the news – there’s real human impact, cultural heritage, spirit, talent and an identity that we are both so passionate about sharing too.”

Anastasiia says while the show will have a Ukrainian flair, she believes audiences will relate to the stories about the pull of home.

“It’s not just a Ukrainian culture play. It’s produced and starred in by a Ukrainian and organised by another, but the tales of love, loss, peace and war while touching on shared human experiences during the same one life despite where they may come from.”

Dasha moved to Auckland in 2001 but regularly flies back to Ukraine to work on film and TV productions.

From Ukraine during the final days of World War I, to mid-1970’s America, to New Zealand’s present day, the show brings characters with very different life experiences together.

“It’s aimed to be very close to home for the audience, not only physically in the Theatre but with the relatable human stories that anyone can mirror themselves,” explains Anastasiia.

“Hopefully take something away from the show knowing something new about themselves.

“It’s also an incredible opportunity for Marlborough to experience and learn from a nationally and internationally working screen actor about stage presence, body language, carrying their voice and character mood presentation, both after the show and at the Sunday masterclass”.

The Voice of the Departed is on at the Boathouse Theatre on 22 June. Dasha’s Acting Masterclass will be held on 23 June at the same venue.

Get tickets at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-voice-of-the-departed-tickets-913257246007