Directed and costumed designed by Rio, The Forest Song was a fantastical Ukrainian play written by the poet Lesya Ukrainka. It tells the story of Mavka, a forest nymph who falls in love with Lukash, a human. The Forest Song comments on the conflicts between nature and human civilization as their love changes with the seasons.

The costumes were intended to represent the traditional wear of Ukrainian villagers, while also showing off the rich beauty of Ukrainian folklore and culture. The mythological characters display their role in nature through clothing- with the mermaid Rusalka donning colors of the pond, the Forest Guardian wearing leafy, overgrown shoulder pauldrons and bark crown, and the Fiery Charmer dancing around the forest all aflame.

Rio dedicated 120+ hours to this show, with a small budget for over 16 costumes. This project was also served as a fundraiser for Ukraine, raising over $800 which was sent as humanitarian aid to the war torn country.