Songs of Hope and Joy

Pilot Theatre collaborated with York-based band Direct Message to create the song "Rollercoaster: Hope as a Habit", which explores new approaches to testimony and human rights. Direct Message was founded by Ukrainians who relocated to the UK from various parts of Ukraine due to the war. They had never met each other before arriving in York: “Some of us were amateur musicians in our previous lives, while others are students in the Music department at York College. Our passion for music helps us accept our new circumstances and communicate who modern Ukrainians are. We strive to convey our message straight to the hearts of our audience, performing not only Ukrainian songs but also world hits that resonate with us.”

The song was written "Conversations with Testimony" commissioning call, and features lyrics by Polina Senchuk and music by the band. This marks the first original song the band has created together, guided and supported throughout the process by composer Emily Levy.

“It was an absolutely new experience for us to transform our own feelings into lyrics and melody. This song reflects our lives, the difficulties and obstacles we face, and—a central theme—our hope to rise again after each fall. Every dizzying low is followed by a breathtaking high, creating a continuous cycle. Is this the life we dreamed of? No. Can we stop this ride? No. The only thing we can do is hold tight and keep going.”