All Of It: New Doc About Ukrainian Dancers' First Post-Invasion Show

Episode Release Date: July 25, 2025

Introduction

In this compelling episode of WNYC's ALL OF IT, host Tiffany Hansen delves into the creation and significance of the new documentary, "Match in a Haystack." Directed by Emmy winner Joe Hill and produced by Stephanie Null, who also serves as the film's movement director, the documentary captures the resilience and creativity of Ukraine's leading contemporary dance company amidst the turmoil of war. The episode offers an in-depth exploration of how art serves as both a form of resistance and a means of preserving cultural identity during conflict.

Overview of "Match in a Haystack"

"Match in a Haystack" is a poignant documentary that follows a group of Ukrainian women dancers as they reunite for their first performance since the Russian invasion. Set against the backdrop of a city ravaged by conflict, the film juxtaposes destruction with the vibrant persistence of artistic expression. Misty Copeland, renowned ballet dancer, serves as an executive producer, underscoring the film's commitment to highlighting the power of dance in times of adversity.

Origins of the Project

Timestamp: 02:45

Joe Hill discusses his initial inspiration for the project:

Joe Hill (02:51): "When Russia launched its full-scale invasion in Ukraine, I felt that our coverage was dominated by images of death and destruction. I wanted to document the act of creation instead of destruction, to capture a different facet of Ukrainian resilience."

Hill reached out to Stephanie Null to collaborate on identifying artists who continued to create amidst the chaos, ultimately focusing on the dance community as a medium of expression beyond words and sounds.

Meeting the Dancers

Timestamp: 03:38 - 04:46

Hill explains the selection process:

Joe Hill (03:38): "Dance was chosen because it's a visceral form of expression, especially when words and music might fall short. It visually and expressively communicates the deep emotions and experiences of the dancers."

The documentary features women who balanced their roles as mutual aid volunteers and participants in war efforts with their commitment to dance. Their decision to perform was driven by a desire to ensure that Ukrainian cultural identity persisted despite the ongoing conflict.

Life in Kyiv for Artists

Timestamp: 04:52 - 05:55

Stephanie Null, born in Kyiv and raised in the U.S., provides insight into the challenges faced by artists in the city:

Stephanie Null (05:06): "Artists in Kyiv grapple with surviving daily hardships while striving to continue creating. Many have had to abandon their art to work on the front lines or support war efforts, making the continuation of their creative work even more admirable."

She emphasizes the immense difficulty and internal conflict artists endure to maintain their cultural contributions during such trying times.

Motivations Behind the Dance Performance

Timestamp: 06:20 - 07:45

Joe Hill explores the personal and collective motivations driving the dancers:

Joe Hill (06:20): "For some, it was resilience and defiance, a way to assert that a portion of Ukrainian culture could not be erased. For others, it was an intrinsic need to express themselves and find meaning through art amidst chaos."

He highlights the internal struggles the dancers faced in deciding whether their creative efforts were appropriate or meaningful during the war, underscoring the complex emotions tied to their performances.

Stephanie Null on the Filmmaking Process

Timestamp: 07:47 - 09:57

Stephanie Null discusses her dual role as producer and movement director:

Stephanie Null (08:42): "As movement director, I guided the dancers to express their experiences not just through words but through movement itself. We created 'dance interviews' that allowed the dancers to convey their feelings and stories physically."

This innovative approach allowed the documentary to capture the depth of the dancers' emotions and the significance of their artistic expressions in a war-torn environment.

Art as Resistance

Timestamp: 11:21 - 12:41

Joe Hill delves into the concept of art as a form of resistance:

Joe Hill (11:21): "Dance becomes a profound act of defiance, a way to assert one's existence and humanity when so much is at stake. It's the ultimate expression of survival and the refusal to be erased."

He reflects on how the physicality of dance embodies resistance, allowing individuals to reclaim their bodies and identities in the face of adversity.

State of Ukrainian Art and Culture

Timestamp: 12:41 - 15:32

Stephanie Null provides an update on the contemporary art scene in Kyiv:

Stephanie Null (14:41): "Ukrainian contemporary art is incredibly powerful yet underrecognized on the global stage. The war has amplified its significance, as artists strive to preserve and express their cultural narratives despite immense challenges."

She emphasizes the importance of international attention to Ukrainian art, which has historically been suppressed under Russian influence.

Personal Insights and Hope

Timestamp: 15:53 - 20:44

The discussion shifts to personal reflections and the broader implications of the documentary:

Joe Hill (15:53): "The film is about resilience and the conscious decision to find meaning in life despite horrific circumstances. It's a testament to the human spirit's capacity to create and find joy even in the darkest times."

Stephanie Null adds:

Stephanie Null (20:20): "For the dancers, creating this performance wasn't about defiance; it was about living authentically and finding pleasure in creation despite the ongoing war."

Their shared hope is that viewers will recognize the profound strength and determination of the Ukrainian people to maintain their cultural identity through art.

Conclusion and Availability

Timestamp: 20:44 - 21:13

The episode concludes with information on the documentary's screenings and streaming availability:

Tiffany Hansen (21:11): "Match in a Haystack has additional showings at the Angelica and will be available for streaming this fall."

Joe Hill and Stephanie Null express their gratitude, emphasizing the importance of sharing these stories with a broader audience.

Takeaways

• Art as Survival: "Match in a Haystack" showcases how dance serves as a means of survival and resistance for Ukrainian artists during the war.

• Cultural Preservation: The documentary underscores the critical role of maintaining cultural practices amidst conflict to preserve national identity.

• Personal Resilience: The dancers' stories highlight individual and collective resilience, demonstrating the power of art to provide meaning and joy even in dire circumstances.

• Innovative Storytelling: The film employs unique methods, such as "dance interviews," to capture the depth of the dancers' experiences beyond verbal narration.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Hill (02:51): "We wanted to make this record like some kind of documentation of the act of creation as opposed to destruction."

• Stephanie Null (05:06): "Artists in Kyiv grapple with surviving daily hardships while striving to continue creating."

• Joe Hill (11:21): "Dance becomes a profound act of defiance, a way to assert one's existence and humanity when so much is at stake."

• Stephanie Null (14:41): "Ukrainian contemporary art is incredibly powerful yet underrecognized on the global stage."

• Joe Hill (15:53): "It's a testament to the human spirit's capacity to create and find joy even in the darkest times."

Final Thoughts

This episode of ALL OF IT offers a deeply moving portrayal of how Ukrainian dancers use their art to navigate and resist the ravages of war. Through the lens of "Match in a Haystack," listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the intersection between art, culture, and survival, highlighting the indomitable human spirit's quest for expression and meaning amidst chaos.