Ukraine Unbroken at Arcola Theatre: A Quintet of Plays Illuminating Resilience
Arcola Theatre presents Ukraine Unbroken, a compelling quintet of plays that delve into modern Ukraine's turbulent history, spanning from the 2014 Maidan protests to Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 and its aftermath. Directed by Nicholas Kent, this production assembles a stellar lineup of writers and a versatile ensemble, though the mini-dramas vary in ambition and execution, creating a poignant mosaic of human endurance.
Exploring Key Plays and Performances
In Always by Jonathan Myerson, a Ukrainian politician, portrayed by David Michaels, and his wife, played by Sally Giles, find themselves held hostage in a hotel overlooking Maidan Square during the 2014 pro-European protests. While the piece effectively conveys exposition, it occasionally leans into didacticism due to time constraints.
David Edgar's Five Day War offers a darkly comic take, following three hopefuls—Daniel Betts, Sally Giles, and David Michaels—as they undergo a five-day training led by the sinister instructor Viktor, played by Ian Bonar. This segment adds a layer of political intrigue and satire to the narrative.
Standout Works and Emotional Depth
The second half of the production features stronger material, with Natalka Vorozhbit's Three Mates, translated by Sasha Dugdale and directed by Victoria Gartner, emerging as a standout. This play explores the guilt of a young man, portrayed by Ian Bonar, who dodges conscription and reflects on the diverging paths of his friends, offering a raw look at personal conflict and societal pressures.
David Greig's Wretched Things highlights the grim reality of foreign recruits sent by Russia to the front lines. In this scenario, three Ukrainian troops—Daniel Betts, Ian Bonar, and David Michaels—discover a wounded North Korean soldier and face a moral dilemma over whether to risk their lives to save him, though the plot stretches credibility at times.
Cat Goscovitch's Taken exposes the harrowing truth of the 20,000 Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, re-educated, and adopted. The play follows one mother, Anna, played by Jade Williams, in her desperate quest to bring home her 12-year-old daughter, Lilya, portrayed by Clara Read, delivering an emotionally charged narrative.
Musical Integration and Overall Impact
Mariia Petrovska enhances the production with live music on the bandura, singing, and threading the themes together, adding a cultural and emotional layer to the performances. Despite some flaws in execution, Ukraine Unbroken offers a poignant and illuminating exploration of people's resilience in the face of tyranny, running until March 28 at Arcola Theatre.
This quintet of plays serves as a powerful testament to the strength and endurance of the Ukrainian spirit, making it a must-see for those interested in contemporary theatre and global issues.
