A theatre run by a native Georgian in the U.S. is rehearsing a play to speak out against the conflict in South Ossetia and the strained relations between Russia and Georgia. The actors say they want to promote peace and friendship between the two nations.

The Synetic Theater is the only Georgian-led troupe in the U.S., and is based just outside Washington DC.

Its founders Paata and Irina Tsikurishvili both witnessed the violent conflicts in the region during the early 90s that left thousands dead and this summer watched in horror as violence flared up again.

Now they are working overtime, after changing the season’s opener for a new one to reflect the war that suddenly hit their home a world away in Georgia.

‘Hosts and Guest’ is based on an epic Georgian poem and centres around two men – a Christian and a Muslim – who become friends despite deep-rooted hatred between their cultures.

“If Russians and Georgians can handle each other perfectly and love each other in America, what is wrong there?” asks Paata Tsikurishvili.

The show opens at the end of September and, while it’s not clear how the situation in the Caucasus will unfold, the performers are hoping for peace.

The theatre says they're not political activists, but that this is their response to war.