What do you think?
Rate this book
Arts Hustler: A Story of Resilience
After fleeing to New York with two suitcases and two children in the wake of Russia’s attack on Ukraine in 2022, Sofia—a celebrated arts producer in her home country—left everything behind at forty-five to rebuild her life from scratch. That leap led her to produce Our Class, a deeply personal and hauntingly relevant theatrical experience that reflected her own pain and the fractured relationships of a world torn apart by politics and war.
Hailed as one of the best theater productions of 2024 by The Wall Street Journal, Our Class was also praised as “artistically ambitious” by The New York Times and “virtuosic” by Time Out and received four 2025 Lucille Lortel Awards.
ARTS A STORY OF RESILIENCE is a gripping account of one woman’s journey—proving that anything is possible for a determined immigrant armed with a dream.
This book is for those
Feel stuck in life and want to take a leap but are held back by fear.Are considering immigration or are already adapting to a new country.Want to break into New York’s art scene.Are trying to make sense of a world increasingly divided.Have seen Our Class or want to get an inside feel of how theater works in New York.“Sofia’s inspiring journey is a true catharsis”, — Odessa Rae, Academy Award-Winning Producer
“This is not just a story — it’s a testament to resilience. Arts Hustler follows a Russian woman who walked away from comfort and status in Moscow to speak out against the war and built a new life, and career, in New York theatre. A remarkable journey told with honesty and fire”, — Alexander Rodnyansky, Academy Award-Nominated Producer
“Artistically ambitious!”, — The New York Times about Our Class, a play produced by Sofia Kapkov
Hailed as one of the best theater productions of 2024 by The Wall Street Journal, Our Class was also praised as “artistically ambitious” by The New York Times and “virtuosic” by Time Out and received four 2025 Lucille Lortel Awards.
ARTS A STORY OF RESILIENCE is a gripping account of one woman’s journey—proving that anything is possible for a determined immigrant armed with a dream.
This book is for those
Feel stuck in life and want to take a leap but are held back by fear.Are considering immigration or are already adapting to a new country.Want to break into New York’s art scene.Are trying to make sense of a world increasingly divided.Have seen Our Class or want to get an inside feel of how theater works in New York.“Sofia’s inspiring journey is a true catharsis”, — Odessa Rae, Academy Award-Winning Producer
“This is not just a story — it’s a testament to resilience. Arts Hustler follows a Russian woman who walked away from comfort and status in Moscow to speak out against the war and built a new life, and career, in New York theatre. A remarkable journey told with honesty and fire”, — Alexander Rodnyansky, Academy Award-Nominated Producer
“Artistically ambitious!”, — The New York Times about Our Class, a play produced by Sofia Kapkov
208 pages, Paperback
Published June 25, 2025
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
September 26, 2025
Well, I’m not sure this story really needed to be a book—the way it’s told feels more suited to a podcast format. Still, I gave it 5 for the courage of someone who challenges the status quo. The more examples like this we have, whether written or not, the better we’ll all be at facing the challenges life throws at us.
Displaying 1 of 1 review