Dash Arts has released first-look production images for the world premiere of The Reckoning, a compelling new play by Anastasiia Kosodii and Josephine Burton, now running at Arcola Theatre until 28 June 2025.
Directed by Josephine Burton, The Reckoning explores the haunting aftermath of war through the lens of a journalist and a man she interviews in a ruined village outside Kyiv. As memories resurface, the boundaries between past and present blur in a visceral theatrical experience.
Inspired by real testimonies from The Reckoning Project’s verified archive, the play gives voice to those affected by the Russian war in Ukraine. It combines storytelling, movement, and live music with the sensory experience of a traditional Ukrainian dish being prepared on stage.
The cast features Tom Godwin as The Man from Stoyanka, Simeon Kyslyi as Sam, Marianne Oldham as The Journalist, and Olga Safronova as Olga. Danylo Shramenko will take over the role of Sam in the final week of the run.
Each performance concludes with Food For Thought, a post-show reflection featuring guest speakers from journalism, law, the arts, and human rights. These conversations aim to deepen audience understanding of the ongoing conflict.
Josephine Burton said:
“Immersive ingenuity… that stretches the vocabulary of the stage.”
The creative team includes Zoë Hurwitz (set design), Josh Pharo (lighting), Anton Baibakov (composer), Josie Daxter (movement direction), and Olia Hercules (food consultant). Testimony consultancy is provided by Nataliya Gumenyuk and Peter Pomerantsev.
The Reckoning is supported by The Reckoning Project, the University of Cambridge, Open Society Foundations, Goethe-Institut, and others.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
