A REFUGEE from Ukraine will play the role of Mary in an upcoming production of the nativity story.
Viktoria Nikitina, from Slavutich in Ukraine, will be playing the role opposite Khabib, from Afghanistan, who will be playing the role of Joseph.
Viktoria is one of 700 refugees from the Ukraine war who have found homes with 450 host families across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The production, which is staged by community theatre group, Vita Nova, also stars refugees from Sudan, Syria and Russia.
The play will combine the traditional nativity story with the struggle of displaced people.
It has been written and directed by Dr Sharon Coyne, who says the production was written in response to the current refugee crisis.
“Our play touches on the beautiful Christmas story, which features Mary and Joseph, who are displaced, having a baby away from home, and then fleeing to Egypt to escape the tyrant Herod,” Dr Coyne said.
“We want to remind people of the true meaning of Christmas, a time of hope, rebirth and love. Some of the people taking part in our play will have, at times, lost hope. They have struggled to find a safe, new home, and others have been challenged by addiction.
“This nativity story is timeless and enchanting – it reminds us of the constant and ever-present need for humanity,” she added.
The theatre group, based in Bournemouth, is nationally renowned for using performance to give direction to those recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.
The cast of the production combines those who are recovering from drug and alcohol abuse with refugees and adults with English as a second language.
The theatre company will be working with actor, director and playwright Jon Nicholas, who has worked in places of conflict.
He said: “Participants from over 10 nationalities are taking part in this production. Everyone is learning and challenging themselves, and everyday proving that cooperation is possible.”
The production will be taking place on December 16 and 17, in Roseberry Park Baptist Church in Bournemouth.
For more information, visit vitanova.co.uk
Tickets can be booked at eventbrite.co.uk/e/472559106007
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