The production will run at Theatre503 from the 5th to the 28th February.
The cast and creative team has been announced that its 2026 season will begin with with the world premiere of Donbas, the debut play from Ukrainian playwright Olga Braga.
As the first production directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike for Theatre503 since he became the organisation’s Artistic Director, the cast for the production includes Jack Bandeira, Ksenia Devriendt, Liz Kettle, Philippe Spall, Sasha Syzonenko and Steve Watts.
Newly released from a Russian prison, Sashko comes home to a father determined to keep him safe as the world unravels. Ivan’s chasing Vera, Vera’s chasing the perfect Claudia Schiffer blonde – and overhead, in Ukrainian skies, the planes are getting closer.
Olga Braga is a London-based Ukrainian playwright, screenwriter and stand-up comedian. A winner of the Off-West-End Adopt a Playwright Award, she has been shortlisted for the Verity Bargate, Phil Fox and Traverse Theatre awards, longlisted for the Bruntwood Prize, and is currently on attachment to the National Theatre and under commission by the RSC. Talking about the news, Brage said: “”Donbas may look like a play about Ukraine, but for me it’s really about what happens when division takes root in the people and communities we love. In an increasingly polarised world – where trust is eroding and ‘us vs them’ thinking is on the rise – the play asks how people keep living side by side when they’re being pulled apart. Even in the darkest moments, people still joke, flirt, argue, and reach for ordinary life – and that humour becomes part of how they survive. Donbas is about resilience, fracture, and the struggle to hold on to empathy and hope in impossible circumstances. Although the story begins in Ukraine, it speaks to fractures across Europe and far beyond. It’s not just about my country – it’s about all of us.”
The production will be directed by Anthony Simpson-Pike, with the production’s creative team includes Niall McKeever (Set / Costume Design), Chris Nairne (Lighting Design), Xana (Sound Design), Nevena Stojkov (Movement Director), Chandra Ruegg (Casting Director) and Hannah Danson (Costume Supervisor).
To book tickets visit: https://theatre503.com/whats-on/donbas/