REVIEW: Vanya Is Alive

Vanya is Alive is deeply interesting in that the story is not created by a great big spectacle on set, a large ensemble of actors, or frenetic lighting and sound effects. Instead, we are presented with one actor. Nikolay Mulakov portrays every character in this one-person play. On a stage containing absolutely no props, structures, or backdrop, it is Mulakov’s voice alone that is the driving force of the story. We, the audience, rely on the power of our imaginations to bring writer Natalia Lizorkina’s descriptions of the story to life. 

Set in an oppressive system in Russia, Lizorkina has written a tragic piece about pain, lies, and ignorance. On a warm summer day, the protagonist Alya receives the news that her son Vanya, a soldier, is “absolutely free”. However, throughout the play, Mulakov maintains a chilling monotone in his expressions. The oppression conveyed in Vanya is Alive mirrors the systems and politics in today’s world – language is becoming increasingly censored, and we must repress our emotions to avoid being punished by those in power. We know we are being lied to with the fake promises of politicians. We attempt to find our allies through our acts of defiance. And yet, fear is so ingrained in us that we cannot experience the absolute freedom alluded to in the play. Lizorkina’s script is smart, frightening to those of us who can decipher the cries for help. 

Kudos to Nikolay Mulakov, who recites Lizorkina’s lines to perfection! Vanya is Alive is around an hour long, with several characters, settings, and stage directions; Mulakov has them all down, and his delivery is truly satisfying to listen to. Because the flat affect with which he speaks is so consistent, it makes the rare moments when there is emotion in his voice even more exciting. These scenes are short and sharp, desperate, Alya daring to break free from the system’s rigidity. We are captivated by these fleeting moments of rebellion, just as we are by the strange dullness with which the characters speak. Mulakov gets all my praise for successfully portraying a world of terror and determination! 

Vanya is Alive is worth watching because it is a masterclass in writing and acting. Ivanka Polchenko, the director, recognises the relevance of this script to the politics of contemporary society. She brings to life these imperfect, human characters, all with relatably mundane lives AND with that burning desire in them to fight for absolute freedom. I thoroughly enjoyed this play, so a massive congratulations to all involved!