“Join us for an immersive celebration of the indomitable human spirit.” Sophia Hodych on ‘Art of Courage'.
Art of Courage is a new immersive theatre production written by Sophia Hodych, that will take audiences into the soul of Ukraine. Art of Courage will aims take the audience to all corners of Sophie’s homeland, allowing them to experience the traditions and history of Ukraine first hand in Milton’s PIP Theatre.
Art of Courage was devised by Meanjin Based creative Sophia Hodych as a responsive to the invasion of the Ukraine in 2022. Sophia Hodych is a Ukrainian-Australian actor, producer, published writer and graduate of QUT’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting. whose experience includes "Joan Must Die: I never liked her anyway", directed by Wesley Enoch, and "Stupid Fucking Bird", directed by Sanja Simic. Before coming to PIP Theatre, Art of Courage was featured at a theatrical conference in Florence, Italy in 2023 in front of world leading acting academies including RADA, Conservatoire royal de Bruxelles and Teatro della Pergola.
Sophie dishses to NEHIB about the origins of Art of Courage and why they must see the show before its season ends on 17 February 2024.
From left to right: Dimitri Politis, Matthew Filkins, Byron Lankester Howells assume the roles of 3 theatre makers from the 1930's crafting a play.
Tell us about ‘The Art of Courage’ in 100 words or less.
The immersive theatre experience takes audiences on a captivating journey through the soul of Ukraine. They will experience ancient pagan traditions like Ivana Kupala and St. Andrew's Mischiefs Day; witness haunting readings and the bloom of young romances. Open history's pages, where the Ukrainian intelligentsia challenged the Soviet Union in the 1930s. Stand with the defiant spirits who dared the streets of Maidan, rallying against a president controlled by R*ssia. Art of Courage is a bittersweet tale, an ode to Ukrainian courage and a beacon of hope for freedom.
Tell us your origin story. What inspired the development of the show and why did you decide to collaborate with Brisbane Immersive Ensemble to develop this piece?
The idea for Art of Courage was born out of the devastation that I, along with all other Ukrainians felt on February 24th 2022, when R*ssia began the full-scale invasion.
After reading the ‘Breaking News’ title on my phone screen, everything inside of me dropped. For a second I was alone with the pounding of my heart and an overwhelming pressure to figure out what to do next - do I go back to Ukraine? Do I stay here and continue with my day? Do I rush to check up on my parents? What is the most productive thing for me to do?
And with the last question, I paused. What is the most productive thing I could do? Considering my circumstances of being in a safe country, with people sympathising with Ukraine's situation I was in the best position to provide an avenue for donations.
Weighing up the product I can make with the skills I have gained throughout my bachelors degree, I started gathering a team that would create a solid performance. Considering that I have always been interested in immersive theatre I reached out to the leading immersive theatre company in Queensland - Brisbane Immersive. After meeting one of the artistic directors Ben Lynskey over a coffee and talking more about theatre, our ambitions and creative ideas, we decided to co-direct the performance.
Full cast onveying costumes of their character, army gear or traditional vyshyvanka. BACKROW: Matthew Filkins, Dimitri Politis, Megan Dale, Sofia Viegas, Brigitte Freeme, Liam Wallis FRONT ROW: Byron Lankester Howells, Mackenzie Curtis.
Why did you decide to make the performance immersive one over a traditional theatre piece?
Making the performance immersive allows us to explore a whole country in one play. Not only are we able to transport the audience into new, magical spaces that create a unique first person experience of each setting, but we are also able to cover a wide array of topics from war to tradition.
Ukraine has an unbelievably rich and complex history, some of it horrific and heartbreaking, some fun and heartwarming. Immersive theatre provides audiences with an opportunity to choose which scenes to see, what knowledge to gain and what emotions to experience.
What was the creative process like to develop ‘Art of Courage’?
The creative process behind Art of Courage has truly been a learning experience. We began the project with collating a group of wonderful writers and delved into research. The difficulty with this type of cultural performance is that we needed to strike a balance between inviting, entertaining and educating the audience all while staying true to the spirit of the Ukrainian people.
In addition to a Ukrainian not only writing but also advising and editing the final script, we conducted interviews, making sure that most of our story is based on or inspired by lived experiences.
Actors underwent a similar research and rehearsal process, during which we had hour-long discussions about what living in Ukraine is like, its history and mainly its people. We even visited the Ukrainian Club in Brisbane to try some delicious Ukrainian food!
Tell us about your venue. What is it about your space that adds to your audience experience?
PIP Theatre is the perfect venue for an immersive production as it has an array of unique spaces, including a theatre, a courtyard and a few dressing and rehearsal rooms. The space has been dressed to create an intimate environment in which audiences bear witness the private moments that unfold between characters.
A traditional Ukrainian wreath used during Ivana Kupala celebrations sits on a pavement with various girls in Ukrainian traditional vyshyvanka grasping at it. Image by Art of Courage Ukraine
Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this show?
The active nature of our play makes it perfect for energetic audiences who would like to not only watch a theatre show, but search the drawers, open the curtains, and soak up as much of the event as possible.
With opportunities to dance, read your future, and search for the elusive fern flower any curious soul will love this performance.
Is there anything else we simply MUST know about ‘The Art of Courage’?
Our eyes get teary everytime we watch the show, so come with an open heart and let's embrace the laughter and the sorrow together.
Don't miss this chance to be part of a theatrical revolution—one that goes beyond the stage and into the very essence of Ukrainian history and culture. Join us for an unforgettable night at PIP Theatre, where Art of Courage becomes an immersive celebration of the indomitable human spirit.
Art of Courage plays at PIP Theatre Milton until 17 February 2024. All profits from this production supports RAZOM For Ukraine, a charity providing aid to children affected by the war. All images by Art of Courage Ukraine.
