Pressures build to an almost unbearable level in David Greig’s Wretched Things, which is set on the front line, where Ukrainian fighters agonise over whether or not to help an unconscious wounded Korean soldier. Finally, and perhaps the most moving, is Taken by Cat Goscovitch. The play personifies the horrific reality of thousands of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia and ‘reprogrammed’ to be good little Russians. Clara Read and Jade Williams are truly affecting as the distraught mother Anna and missing 12-year-old daughter Lilya, whose story we see unfold over two harrowing years.
Played on a versatile set by Michael Taylor, Ukraine Unbroken presents a vital and extraordinarily moving insight into the conflict that illuminates and lives up to its inspired and defiant title.
By Judi Herman
Photos by Tristram Kenton
Ukraine Unbroken runs Friday 27 February – Saturday 28 March. 7.30pm, 2.30pm (Thu & Sat only). From £15. Arcola Theatre, London, E8 3DL. arcolatheatre.com
Listen to our interview with playwright Cat Goscovitch on JR OutLoud.
