originally published: 10/20/2025
(NEW YORK, NY) — American Theatre of Actors’ Cullum Theatre presents the World Premiere of In the Wilderness of Demons, a Ukrainian Folk Thriller by acclaimed American playwright Don Nigro, from October 23 – November 2, 2025. Intertwining Ukrainian folklore, mysticism, and movement, a witch and a folklorist meet in a remote village — where myth collides with reality. Giving fresh eyes and thoughts to ancient legends, this production is designed to be a new paradigm in stage drama.
Deep in the woods, a Ukrainian cottage filled with handwoven, faceless dolls, a witch lives between worlds. When a young folklorist arrives to record her tales, their encounter unleashes secrets buried beneath water and memory. Drawing on ancient ritual, wild dance, and dark humor, In the Wilderness of Demons merges elements of thriller, folklore, and surreal comedy to create something both eerie and mesmerizing.
A CROSS-CULTURAL COLLABORATION – The production features an international all-female cast, each artist sharing a personal connection to Ukraine. Some born there, others have Ukrainian roots or have lived and worked there. For the ensemble, this project is both deeply personal and profoundly timely.
“Ukraine belongs not only in the news, but also on the stage,” the company states. “In this moment of war and resilience, Ukrainian art is not just storytelling — it’s survival.”
Performances take place Wednesdays–Saturdays @ 7:00pm and Sundays @ 3:00pm. Tickets are available for purchase online. American Theatre of Actors’ Cullum Theatre is located at 314 W 54th Street in New York City.
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Creatives & Cast: Written by Don Nigro; Directed by Eduard Tolokonnikov; Produced by MOVA Productions NYC; Starring: Tatyana Kot and Iryna Malygina
Don Nigro is one of America’s most produced living playwrights. His works — including Ravenscroft, Seascape with Sharks and Dancer, and The Actor’s Nightmare — have been performed in over 40 countries. Known for his gothic humor and psychological depth, Nigro’s writing combines mythic imagination with dark lyricism. “Don Nigro writes like Edgar Allan Poe dreamed of writing for the stage.” — Andrew Cortes, Stage Whisper
Tatyana Kot is a NY-based theatre and dance artist, movement choreographer, and multi-festival award winner. Her credits include Don Nigro’s The Chaplin Plays and John Patrick Shanley’s Candlelight.
Iryna Malygina, actor and producer, has appeared in over 40 Ukrainian TV roles and multiple New York theatre productions. She brings a blend of cinematic intensity and stage craft to her work.
Eduard Tolokonnikov is a New York–based director known for emotionally immersive productions that merge intimate actor work with bold visual storytelling. His notable NYC credits include Baudelaire’s Passion (Off-Broadway, 2023) and Five Evenings (Off-Off-Broadway, 2025).