Varvara Mishyna is one of three creatives being supported by the Refugee Festival Scotland Arts Open initiative to help artists from refugee backgrounds bring their work to new audiences.

Varvara is a TV and theatre director with more than two decades of experience in storytelling through visual art and performance. She lives in Dundee, where she settled after fleeing the war against Ukraine.

Varvara founded the AUGB Ukrainian Amateur Theatre of Dundee, where adults and children displaced by the conflict can share their love of drama, dance and song.

Her show, Robinson, a Musical Journey, which is part of the festival programme, reimagines Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe to reflect the journeys and experiences of people forced from their home by the war against Ukraine.

The musical will be performed in English and Ukrainian by a cast of 15 children. We caught up with Vavara to find out more.

Hi Varvara. Thanks for speaking with us. Can you tell us a bit about your creative background and what inspires you?

In 2022, as the war in Ukraine began, I was forced to leave my home and move to Scotland. This sudden and painful shift deeply transformed my creative path and sense of purpose.

I founded the Ukrainian Amateur Theatre as a way to heal, connect, and inspire; both for myself and for others facing displacement.

My focus has turned toward transforming the mindset of the younger generation through art, theatre, and education. To draw them away from their devices and into the beauty of the real world – one they can touch, feel, shape, and believe in.

Theatre is more than performance. What inspires me most is the power of art to restore humanity, ignite imagination, and bring people together. Through creativity and storytelling, we develop critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and the courage to stand up for democratic values.

My work aims to awaken empathy, foster resilience, and remind us all of the beauty that still exists in the world.

How did the writing of Robinson: A Musical Journey develop and what elements of the story are most meaningful for you?

“Robinson” is not just a retelling of Daniel Defoe’s novel. It is a deeply personal and symbolic story that reflects the real-life journeys of many Ukrainians who, like Robinson Crusoe, found themselves suddenly cast into unknown territory, far from home, trying to rebuild their lives from nothing.

The idea of ​​the production was born shortly after I moved to Scotland. As a director, I felt the urgent need to create something meaningful. Something that could unite people through shared emotions, resilience, and hope.

While writing and adapting the story, I focused on universal themes: survival, isolation, loneliness, courage, the search for friendship, and the power of holding onto your humanity, even in the harshest circumstances.

This production is a reflection of our times. A story told through the voices of those who have lost much, but who continue to believe in a better future. It’s a celebration of perseverance and human connection, especially for those navigating life in a new country.

Many people have been involved in supporting this production, including creating music, costumes and sets. Can you tell us more about how the project came about?

When we started rehearsals, I called Ukrainian theatres in Dnipro asking them for advice in creating props. Instead, despite the war, the lack of electricity and the bombing, they made us props as a gift and sent them to Scotland. They wanted to support young people in their efforts to preserve Ukrainian theatre culture.

Composers and directors from Poland also helped us in creating music and phonograms.

In the upcoming season, we are planning to stage two new plays that explore identity, memory, and the quiet strength that lives within every person. We’ve also opened a new theatre group for adults, many of whom are seeking not only artistic expression but also healing, connection, and hope.

Our community is growing, and so is our belief that creativity can help us face the unknown, not with fear, but with open hearts.

What do you hope people will get from coming to see this show?

I hope people who come to see “Robinson: A Musical Journey” leave with more than just the memory of a performance. I hope they leave with a deeper understanding of what it means to be human in times of uncertainty.

This is an adaptation for all ages. I want children to feel inspired by the hero’s courage and imagination, and to believe that they, too, can overcome any challenge. I want adults to remember the strength that lies in kindness, love, and loyalty. Above all, I want people to leave the theatre feeling hopeful. Reminded that even in isolation, we are never truly alone when we hold onto our humanity.

Through this story, I want audiences to feel the power of resilience, friendship, and staying true to your values, no matter how difficult life becomes.

For those who have experienced displacement, fear, or loneliness, I hope they feel seen and understood. For others, I hope this show opens a window into the emotional and psychological journey many Ukrainians, and refugees around the world, are facing today.

Performances of Robinson: A Musical Journey will be taking place at the Ukrainian Club at Westgait Church in Dundee at 3pm on 7, 14, 21 and 28 June.

Check out the full festival programme to see what else is happening near you.

Supported by the National Lottery through Creative Scotland