No Reward for Telling the Truth

Vladimir

Does that sound familiar? That there’s no reward for speaking or publishing the truth today? Every journalist during the past two years who truthfully reports the facts is personally ridiculed and their broadcasts or writing is called “a hoax” or “fake news”? In Russia, under the rising reign of Vladimir Putin, several courageous and daring journalists were murdered for their investigation and for reporting the facts. There was, and still is, no reward for telling the truth.

Based upon so many actual and shocking events that took place during the early twentieth century, Russian journalists risked their reputations, as well as their very lives, for publishing the details of verifiable factual information. Anna Politkovskaya was one such newsperson who, because of her fearless investigative journalism, was executed in 2006. Playwright Erika Sheffer’s VLADIMIR, mixes fact and fiction to create a chilling, eye-opening drama that will remind theatergoers of how factual news reporting has lately been stifled in America.

Raya, portrayed with heroic passion and urgency by Shattered Globe founder and ensemble member, Rebecca Jordan (the strange and hilarious, EELPOUT; the exceptional, Jeff Award-winning LONDON ROAD, Shattered Globe) is the central character. Raya represents Anna Politkovskaya in this timely play. Raya is a bold, brave journalist and is the focus of Erika Sheffer’s pulse-pounding play. It’s around this remarkably fearless writer that everything and everyone revolves. Having recently returned from Chechnya, Raya is shocked to learn that her boss and friend, Kostya, played with drive and guarded determination by ensemble member Adam Schulmerich (LOBBY HERO; A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE, Shattered Globe) has given in to political pressure. Kostya has safely taken a position with a state-run news organization. He pleads with Raya to be especially vigilant now and, better still, simply give up her dangerous investigative reporting. Raya is of retirement age, after all, and he urges her to lay low and stay safe. But Raya brushes off his advice. Galina (actress Juliana Liscio, remembered for her performance in Shattered Globe’s A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE), is Raya’s lovely daughter. She’s frazzled planning her upcoming wedding, but is frightened for the safety of her mother. She also tries to convince Raya to cease her dangerous work, but to no avail.

Raya continues to delve into Russia’s recurring shady problems, ultimately persuading a guarded, young whistleblower and accountant named Yevgeny to join in her work. Soon to become a father, Yevgeny wants to remain especially cautious. But Raya intrigues Yevgeny with positive information of financial fraud that reaches to the highest level of the government. She proves that huge amounts of money is being stolen from everyday citizens. She’s also investigating Chechen war crimes during Putin’s rise to power. The pivotal character of Yevgeny is beautifully and empathetically played by Tristan Odenkirk, in his auspicious Shattered Globe debut.

The supporting cast features an array of talented Chicago actors. They are all excellent, especially in playing multiple roles. The ensemble includes Drew Schad, Ben Perry, Steve Peebles, Kseniya Janyan, Laila Malak and Isabel Alamin.    

Director Lou Contey presents a compelling look at the personal costs of living under a dictatorship. His production also takes a hard look at the fragility of the free press in society. Joe Schermoly, whose remarkable work has been revered all over Chicago, has created a flexible scenic design that provides a blank canvas for this play. It’s also very flexible, easily changing its look for each locale. And Mr. Contey has staged his production cleverly, utilizing the many available entrance and exit areas. During the play’s simple scene changes, masked performers emerge from the darkness as the KGB, armed with tiny red laser lights that draw the audience’s attention to important props or pieces of information. Contey generally has his cast speaking standard English. But when the Russian characters are sharing a scene with an American character, the actor will speak in actual Russian or with a Russian accent. The contrast is clever and very effective and impressive.

VLADIMIR is a two-hour production, whose intensity builds during the second act. It’s a frightening political play that’s based on actual historical facts, which makes it particularly terrifying. Throughout this gripping drama, especially in its final ten minutes, audiences will surely connect this horrific Russian story with our country within the past two years. Erika Sheffer’s pulse-pounding play will remind the savvy theatergoer that the dangers of dictatorship in Russia during the early twenty-first century, with its lack of freedom of speech and the press, is reminiscent of America today. There is no reward for telling the truth.       

Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented October 2-November 14 by Shattered Globe at Theater Wit, 1229 N. Belmont Ave., Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 773-975-8150 or by going to www.shatteredglobe.org.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.