Ukrainian Comedian Yaroslav Zubko to Debut Solo Show About War and Identity

Zubko's show 'Before the War Is Over' blends dark humor and personal storytelling about displacement and the American dream.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 6:54pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring jagged, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of blue, yellow, and grey, conceptually representing the themes of Yaroslav Zubko's solo comedy show about war, displacement, and identity.Yaroslav Zubko's solo show blends dark humor and personal storytelling to explore the complexities of war, identity, and the immigrant experience.NYC Today

Comedian Yaroslav Zubko, who moved to the U.S. from Ukraine in 2017, will perform his debut solo show 'Before the War Is Over' at Caveat in New York City on May 15, 2026. The show blends dark humor with deeply personal storytelling about surviving war, experiencing culture shock, and chasing the American dream while his homeland is under siege.

Why it matters

Zubko's show provides a unique perspective on the ongoing war in Ukraine, exploring the complex emotions and experiences of a Ukrainian immigrant navigating life in the U.S. while his country is in conflict. The show also raises funds for Kids Art Hope, a charity supporting Ukrainian families impacted by the war.

The details

In 'Before the War Is Over,' Zubko confronts topics ranging from childhood trauma to the absurdities of American capitalism, capturing the tension between his two worlds. All profits from the show will be donated to Kids Art Hope, a New York-based charity organizing art exhibitions featuring works by Ukrainian children to raise funds for families affected by the war.

  • Yaroslav Zubko moved to the United States from Ukraine in 2017.
  • Zubko's debut solo show 'Before the War Is Over' will be performed at Caveat in New York City on May 15, 2026.

The players

Yaroslav Zubko

A Ukrainian-born comedian who moved to the U.S. in 2017 and has been building a presence in the New York comedy scene, performing at venues like Broadway Comedy Club and Greenwich Village Comedy Club.

Nataliya Bennett

A Ukrainian-born psychiatric nurse practitioner based in New York City who founded the charity Kids Art Hope, which organizes art exhibitions featuring works by Ukrainian children to raise funds for families affected by the war.

Kids Art Hope

A charity founded by Nataliya Bennett that organizes art exhibitions featuring works by Ukrainian children to raise funds for families affected by the war.

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What’s next

All profits from ticket sales for Yaroslav Zubko's show 'Before the War Is Over' will be donated to Kids Art Hope, a charity supporting Ukrainian families impacted by the war.

The takeaway

Yaroslav Zubko's debut solo show provides a poignant and humorous exploration of the Ukrainian immigrant experience, navigating the complexities of identity, displacement, and the ongoing war in his home country. By donating proceeds to Kids Art Hope, the show also supports crucial aid for Ukrainian families affected by the conflict.