“How NOT To Flee a War by Maria and Jez was a perfect accompaniment to our exhibition of Ukrainian photography.
Their account of escaping Ukraine after the Russian invasion in February 2022 was informative, humorous and very much from the heart. The performative recall of events, friends and family drew me in to a world of threat, uncertainty, love and loss.
What took me by surprise was the emotional intensity I felt. It crept up on me as Maria and Jez shared their images and stories in such a generous, impassioned and unassuming way.
Their stories still need to be heard.”
Martyn Lucas, Lead Officer -Arts, Turnpike Gallery
“Maria and Jez brought their story to life. Their presentation wasn’t just a retelling – it was an emotional journey that pulled the audience into the heart of their experience.
Through vivid storytelling and exclusive images, they shared the impossible decisions they had to make under immense pressure, the chaos and fear they faced, and the moments of unexpected humour and humanity that emerged along the way.
They didn’t just describe the conflict – they humanised it. Their honesty, vulnerability, and even moments of humour helped the audience connect with the reality of war in a way that statistics and headlines never could. We laughed, we cried, and we questioned.
It was storytelling at its most raw and real.”
Nicola Strauther, Head of Learning and Engagement, National Holocaust Centre
“How NOT To Flee a War added a really personal dimension to our project. Hearing about the dangerous realities of what Maria and Jez (and
many displaced people from Ukraine) have gone through to find safety was harrowing, but led to an interesting and mindful conversation with
our audience.Taking a human-centred approach – embracing the tragedy and comedy of the situation – brought out some very emotional responses. It is so
important to hear engaging, personal stories like this which are often missing from news reports or statistics on the full-scale invasion in
harnessing much needed support for Ukraine.”Alex Sheen, Operations Manager, Open Eye Gallery
“…fascinating and deeply moving…their talk is topical, important and will be of interest to anyone interested in current affairs and humanitarian
issues.They use stimulating visuals and a lively and informal presentation style.”
Dr. Sarah Hudspith, University of Leeds
“I want to thank you very much for your talk last Tuesday in Newport. It is the best talk I’ve heard in my 20+ years of working in the UK with and for people seeking asylum, refugees and migrants – as categorised and (sub) -sub categorised by UK government.
Usually, talks are either about the horrible, inhumane, dangerous and traumatising experience of people, or emphasising people’s resilience and strengths. There doesnt seem to be much acknowledgement that both are true at the same time – and anything in between those ‘extremes’.
You are of course in a rather exceptional situation where one of you is trying to get back to their country of origin, while the other one is fleeing likely persecution – or worse.
These circumstances – and your character, skills and experience, have given you a unique chance to convey: ‘How not to flee a war’ to a wide audience in a very wholesome, honest and balanced way – and you’re probably only two of the very few people who can do it this way. It only works because you: Jez are (despite the traumatic experience) the person who is able and ‘allowed’ to make the jokes – while it would’ve been very unlikely to have worked if it had been you: Maria, to make the jokes – even if some of them were cynical.”
Emmy Chater, Trustee, Asylum Justice
“Life is a funny old game – until it isn’t! How Not to Flee a War: I laughed, I cried, I learned that the stories we tell are the most vital thing we have.”
Nick Wysoczanskyj, Ukraine Manager, Welsh Refugee Council