Erika Sheffer’s 2024 play, “Vladimir,” blends political intrigue with family drama. Set against the backdrop of increasing authoritarianism, it probes courage, cowardice, and the blurred lines between them. Under the direction of Lou Contey, the play’s premiere by Shattered Globe Theatre focuses on the ‘simple acts by simple people,’ delivering a series of detailed character studies that evoke varied responses, from admiration to disgust.
Taking place in the early 2000s, the play is shaped by President Putin’s consolidation of power and the Chechen conflict. The protagonist, Raisa “Raya” Bobrinskaya (Rebecca Jordan), is an investigative journalist and war correspondent who has narrowly escaped an assassination attempt. Despite the danger, she proposes a story involving a financial scandal connected to high-ranking officials in the Kremlin. While not an expert in Russian politics, one can see how the specifics of the setting serve to deliver a broader cautionary tale with parallels to current issues.
This narrative, targeted at an American audience, invites parallels with the U.S. context. One might view the play’s villain as a distant entity, but Sheffer clearly intends a more reflective perspective. Her American character, Jim, a finance professional played by Drew Schad, serves as a critique of certain attitudes. The play raises questions about culpability and moral choices.
Raya’s determination is vividly portrayed by Jordan, though it often creates tension with her loved ones. Juliana Liscio, playing her daughter Galina, adds depth to the family dimension. The family dynamics reveal the strain between Raya’s professional and personal loyalties, though there’s room for more exploration of Raya’s internal conflicts.
Another standout is Tristan Odenkirk’s portrayal of Yevgeny, an accountant drawn into Raya’s investigation. He captures Yevgeny’s evolving courage with nuance and occasional comedic flair. His background, as a Jewish accountant from Ukraine, adds layers to his reluctant heroism.
The supporting characters enhance the play’s richness, with Kostya being pivotal. As Raya’s mentor and editor, Kostya reflects an everyman faced with moral dilemmas. His decisions diverge from Raya’s, challenging viewers to ponder their own potential choices. Jim’s character, although less admirable, provokes similar introspection.
Production elements amplify the impact of Sheffer’s narrative. Scenic designer Joe Schermoly’s set, marked by stark simplicity, frames the performances. The transitions themselves become mini-narratives, with masked actors using red lights to shift the stage. Christopher Kriz’s score further intensifies the atmosphere of tension and surveillance.
While the play asserts strong points, it avoids simplistic judgments, compelling the audience to engage deeper. The character of a Chechen woman, played by Kseniya Janyan, adds a layer of complexity. Her lines urge the audience to reconsider the focus of their empathy and to question what motivates courage in a world filled with injustice.
This production, rated at 3.5 stars by Emily McClanathan, continues at Theater Wit until November 14. With a running time of 2 hours and 15 minutes, tickets are available from $20 to $60 through 773-975-8150 or SGTheatre.org.
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