“Striking piece of theatre that shines a light on war”
“Mariupol Drama”, a verbatim play by Oleksandr Gavrosh, presents an unflinching portrayal of the harrowing experiences of those who sought refuge in the Mariupol theatre during the tragic bombing. The production features actors Olena Bila and Ihor Kytrysh, their son Matvii, and theatre director Vira Lebedynska—some of whom lived through the events they now perform on stage. This authenticity lends the play an undeniable emotional weight and immediacy.
Strikingly artistic and emotionally raw, the play incorporates various elements to heighten the audience’s awareness of the tragedy. From the opening request to turn off mobile phones, followed by instructions for air raid procedures, to the solemn minute of silence honouring lives lost and a recorded message from President Zelenskyy, the experience blurs the line between performance and reality. Perhaps most impactful is the moment when an air raid simulation plunges the theatre into darkness, and the audience is asked to illuminate the space using their mobile phone flashlights—an eerie and poignant reminder of the fragility of life during the conflict.
While the storytelling is stripped back and gripping, it often leans heavily on recounting well-known events rather than delving deeply into the individual lives of the characters on stage. This choice, though impactful in portraying collective resilience, left a desire for more personal narratives. I left the theatre profoundly moved by the story’s humanity but with limited insight into the unique individuals whose lives were being depicted.
The performances themselves were powerful, with every actor bringing raw emotion and sincerity to their roles. However, the production was marred by technical and directional shortcomings. The simultaneous English translation displayed on a screen behind the actors missed significant portions of dialogue, and its positioning made it difficult to focus on both the actors’ expressions and the text. This detracted from the immersive experience and could have been better managed with alternative staging or subtitling techniques.
Overall, “Mariupol Drama” is a poignant and necessary piece of theatre, capturing the resilience and humanity of those who lived through an unimaginable atrocity. While some artistic choices and technical elements could have been improved, the production’s core message remains clear and devastatingly powerful. It’s a play that reminds us of the cost of war, the strength of community, and the urgent need for empathy in times of crisis.
Mariupol Drama runs until the 18th Jan at Home Manchester. Tickets here.