we have a final rehearsal today afternoon and, after that, our open night, which is sold out. after fleeing the violence of war, these actors have been brought together in their adopted home to put on maria, a play like no other. it's day one of rehearsals, and the actors are greeted by a welcome circle with staff from the unity theatre, their home for the next four weeks. hello, everyone. my name is shorena, i'm an actress, and i will play main role, maria. all of the company were prominent actors and directors in their homeland, taking to the stage in the country's biggest venues, as well as hit ukrainian films and television shows. i worked in the national theatre, i played juliet injuliet and romeo.