Mariupol Drama – HOME Mcr

The word ‘unforgettable’ is overused. Especially in reviews. So many “unforgettable” theatrical experiences soon fade from the memory.

However, the hundreds of innocent Ukrainian civilians who took shelter in Donetsk Regional Academic Drama Theatre will never be able to forget the time they spent in a space they hoped would be safe.

Mariupol Drama is the story of some of those who survived the deadly bombing that followed. Told by the survivors themselves.

It is, truly, unforgettable.

Olena Bila, Ihor Kytrysh, their son Matvii, and Vira Lebedynska are now refugees in their own country, after their home was besieged by Russian forces in 2022.

Following a meeting with Manchester actor David MacCreedy, arrangements were made to bring the production they had created to the UK. And what a production.

Told in Ukrainian with English subtitles, Mariupol Drama opens with footage of Volodymyr Zelenskyy. A video of one of the Ukrainian President’s daily addresses. Declaring the attack on the port city no different from the siege of Leningrad.

Then, suitcases in hand, the cast emerge onto a near bare stage, adorned with nothing more than a handful of chairs, a square of barrier tape and two rows of hanging theatre costumes.

The storytelling is stripped back and gripping. The four actors take turns to introduce themselves and their backgrounds.

There are moments of humour and love. Memories of falling for a place you hated at first. Stories of growing up, and forgetting your lines, on stage. A heartbreaking video of carefree fun in the city’s Freedom Square, among the 25 birds representing the different regions of Ukraine.

But war comes quick. Too quick for one of the characters, who implores us to act fast if ever we are forced into an awful decision.

Those who cannot escape take refuge in the theatre. The pain on Lebedynska’s face as she recalls seeing the auditorium seats being ripped up is too real for words to fully describe.

For Bila, the darkness was the most terrifying. The audience is encouraged to use mobile phone torchlight to ease the trauma.

At times the impending horror of what’s being recounted is almost suffocating. A husband and wife hold hands to say goodbye.

When the bomb drops, it is impossible not to be gripped. Gripped by the production and the extraordinarily brilliant actor.

But then, as the cast re-emerge to the well-deserved and lengthy standing ovation, there is the gut-wrenching remembering that this isn’t just drama to them. This is their life.

One of the final lines declares the theatrical heart of the bombed building to still be beating. To be waiting for victory, and glory to Ukraine. It really is still beating.

Everyone should see Mariupol Drama. The most powerful, emotional, and important, hour you are ever likely to spend in a theatre.

Playing until 18th January 2025.

Tickets and more information can be found here: https://homemcr.org/production/mariupol-drama/.

Reviewer: Peter Ruddick

Reviewed: 14th January 2025

North West End UK Rating: