'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 Manhattan Theatre Club at New York City Center through November 10.
In Vladimir, Erika Sheffer’s slow-burning but ultimately affecting drama about the early days of the Putin regime, the title character is never seen but always present. His rise to power in 2000 stokes the story about the perils of speaking truth to power – and the futility of it when facts don’t matter. Timely, no?
Dangers soon present themselves to Raya (Francesca Faridany), a hard-headed independent journalist unwilling to bend her principles. Despite the risks, she writes about corrupt leadership and human rights abuses in Chechnya.
Raya’s hot on a scoop about Russian officials embezzling millions in taxpayers’ money. Her work doesn’t make her a hero, however. It leads to insults – and much worse. “We don’t serve degenerates,” a bartender informs her.
Raya’s editor and close friend Kostya (Norbert Leo Butz) knows Raya’s stories need to be told. For a while, he’s her staunch supporter. But when speaking out becomes less safe, his convictions collapse. Likewise, their friendship.
Raya finds an unexpected ally in Yevgeny (an ace David Rosenberg), an unassuming number cruncher expecting his first child. “Don’t go looking for trouble, because it’s never good when you find it,” he tells Raya. But he helps dig up evidence of financial fraud. Grim consequences await.
Opening on the heels of last season’s Patriots, which also covered Putin's rise to power, Sheffer’s play feels fairly familiar. Director Daniel Sullivan has assembled a fine cast. He also stages a very awkward fight scene. Faradany’s bright star turn and an urgency that speaks to today elevate Manhattan Theatre Club's presentation.
Vladimir summary
Now in its world premiere off Broadway at New York City Center, Sheffer’s play follows a journalist who refuses to be silenced by Putin’s oppressive reign or be forced from her homeland. The character of Raya was inspired by Anna Politkovskaya, a journalist and human rights activist. She was murdered on Vladimir Putin’s 54th birthday, Sheffer notes in her script. Yevgeny was inspired by Sergei Magnitsky, a tax auditor who was beaten to death after being arrested.
What to expect at Vladimir
If you haven’t brushed up on your recent Russian history, the playwright provides guideposts to keep you on track. Projected titles tell all: “December 31,1999,” “Chechnya 2001,” “Moscow 2004 Election Night,” and so on.
Sheffer takes a fairly straightforward approach to her drama, which is spiked with unexpected humor as it unfolds on an all-black set. Scenes shift with minimal fuss from a TV station to an apartment to a roadside and beyond.
Most characters are Russian, but actors don’t speak with an accent – unless they’re talking to, say, an American character. It’s an effective device at defining national boundaries.
Raya’s occasional dreamlike sequences add theatrical and emotional textures. In one, she recalls a young woman describing her heart being eaten by a crow. The image, and its message about lost hope, stick with you.
The same is true of a conversation between Raya and her daughter, Galina (Olivia Deren Nikkanen), who’s getting married. The bride begs her mom to stop putting herself in danger. “Promise me,” she pleads — but Raya’s silence speaks volumes.
What audiences are saying about Vladimir
Vladimir has an audience approval rating of 68% on the review aggregator Show-Score.
- “Highly watchable drama that is very easy to follow.” - Show-Score user Ztrain.
- “Interesting play about journalism featuring good acting. Can be slow and confusing at times.” - Show-Score user Phil9070
- “Intense play that sadly is still timely while dealing with journalism and corrupt government.” - Show-Score user Bobby Baby
Read more audience reviews of Vladimir on Show-Score.
Who should see Vladimir
- Fans of Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz who know his work in musical comedies like Dirty Rotten Scoundrels will enjoy seeing his more serious side.
- History buffs who appreciate a story with depth that reminds that the present is connected to the past will appreciate the play.
- Theatregoers who saw Sheffer’s 2012 play Russian Transport, a family drama set in Brooklyn, will appreciate seeing the latest topic she’s tackling.
Learn more about Vladimir off Broadway
Although the play meanders during its 2-hour-and-15-minute run time, its story and cast ultimately deliver an emotional wallop.
Photo credit: Vladimir off Broadway. (Photos by Jeremy Daniel)
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