“Vladimir” review – political drama explores the limits and risks of truth

Read our review of Vladimir Off Broadway, a world premiere play by Erika Sheffer, produced by the Manhattan Theater Club at New York City Center through November 10th.

In VladimirIn Erika Sheffer’s slow-burning but ultimately poignant drama about the early days of the Putin regime, the title character is never seen but always present. His rise to power in 2000 fuels a story about the dangers of speaking truth to power – and the futility of it when facts don’t matter. Timely, right?

Raya (Francesca Faridany), a sober independent journalist unwilling to bend her principles, soon faces danger. Despite the risks, she writes about corrupt leadership and human rights abuses in Chechnya.

Raya is on the trail of Russian officials embezzling millions of dollars in taxpayer money. However, her work does not make her a hero. It leads to insults – and much worse. “We don’t serve degenerates,” a bartender informs them.

Raya’s editor and close friend Kostya (Norbert Leo Butz) knows that Raya’s stories need to be told. For a while he is her loyal supporter. But as it becomes less safe to speak out, his beliefs collapse. Likewise their friendship.

Raya finds an unexpected ally in Yevgeny (a star David Rosenberg), a humble numbers cruncher who is expecting his first child. “Don’t look for trouble, because it’s never good when you find it,” he tells Raya. But it helps unearth evidence of financial fraud. Dire consequences await.

Opening following last season Patriotswhich was also about Putin’s rise to power, Sheffer’s piece sounds pretty familiar to me. Director Daniel Sullivan has assembled a good cast. He also stages a very embarrassing fight scene. Faradany’s radiant star turn and an urgency that speaks today elevate the Manhattan Theater Club’s presentation.

Vladimir Summary

Now making its world premiere on Broadway at New York City Center, Sheffer’s play is about a journalist who refuses to be silenced or driven from her homeland by Putin’s oppressive rule. The character of Raya was inspired by Anna Politkovskaya, a journalist and human rights activist. Sheffer notes in her script that she was murdered on Vladimir Putin’s 54th birthday. Yevgeny was inspired by Sergei Magnitsky, a tax inspector who was beaten to death after his arrest.

What to expect Vladimir

If you haven’t yet brushed up on your recent Russian history, the playwright provides guideposts to keep you up to date. The planned titles say it all: “31. December 1999”, “Chechnya 2001”, “Moscow 2004 election night” and so on.

Sheffer takes a straightforward approach to her drama, peppered with unexpected humor as it unfolds on an all-black set. Scenes shift from a television station to an apartment to a roadside and beyond with minimal effort.

Most of the characters are Russian, but the actors don’t speak with an accent – unless, for example, they’re speaking to an American character. It is an effective means of defining national boundaries.

Raya’s occasional dreamlike sequences add theatrical and emotional textures. In one, she remembers a young woman describing how her heart was eaten by a crow. The image and its message of lost hope stay with you.

The same applies to a conversation between Raya and her daughter Galina (Olivia Deren Nikkanen), who is getting married. The bride begs her mother not to put herself in danger anymore. “Promise me,” she begs – but Raya’s silence speaks volumes.

What the audience is talking about Vladimir

Vladimir has an audience approval rating of 68% on review aggregator Show-Score.

• “A very watchable drama that is very easy to follow.” – Show Score user Ztrain.
• “Interesting play about journalism with good acting. Can be slow and confusing at times.” – Show Score user Phil9070
• “An intense game that is unfortunately still timely when it comes to dealing with journalism and corrupt government.” – Show Score user Bobby Baby

Read more audience reviews from Vladimir on show score.

Who should see Vladimir

• Fans of Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz who know his work in musical comedies may like Dirty, lazy villains will enjoy seeing his more serious side.
• History buffs who appreciate a profound story that reminds us that the present is connected to the past will appreciate the piece.
• Theatergoers who saw Sheffer’s 2012 play Russian transporta family drama set in Brooklyn will appreciate seeing the latest topic she deals with.

Find out more about Vladimir on Broadway

Although the play meanders throughout its 2 hour and 15 minute running time, the story and cast ultimately deliver an emotional thrill.

Learn more and get Vladimir Tickets in the New York Theater Guide. Vladimir is at New York City Center through November 10th.

Photo credit: Vladimir on Broadway. (Photos by Jeremy Daniel)