Patriots
Ethel Barrymore Theatre
April 13, 2024
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Photo courtesy of Patriots |
The Almeida Theatre
production of Peter Morgan’s play, Patriots, is mind blowing. The writing is superb. The cast is outstanding. Director Rupert Goold keeps the action tight
and concise, making the complicated story of Putin’s rise to power dramatic and
accessible.
Boris Berezovsky (played
by Michael Stuhlbarg) is a wealthy and powerful businessman in Russia. During this time, Boris Yeltsin (played by
Paul Kynman) is president. Russia was
taking on a more democratic form of government, and large corporations had a strong
influence. Capitalism was on the rise,
improving Russia’s presence in Europe and the west. Berezovsky bought the national television
station, and controls all new broadcasts.
After an attempt on his life, he becomes connected with Alexander
Litvinenko (played by Alex Hurt), the government agent investigating the car
bombing. Berezovsky offers him a job as
his personal security. Out of loyalty to
his country, Litvinenko refuses. Roman
Abramovich (played by Luke Thallon) approaches Berezovsky with a business
proposition, promising a guaranteed increase in Berezovsky’s wealth and
power. When the government instructs Litvinenko
to take out Berezovsky, he resigns his position and goes public with the
plot.
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Michael Stuhlbarg as Boris Berevosky Photo courtesy of Patriots |
Boris Yeltsin is
re-elected president, and Berezovsky uses his influence to have someone he
considers weak and controllable appointed as Prime Minister. This man is Vladimir Putin (played by Will
Keen). When Yeltsin resigns, he appoints
Putin to take his place. Thinking they
have their puppet in place, Berezovsky and his colleagues are content. Putin wastes no time turning the tables on
them all. After Berezovsky broadcasts a truthful
news story that makes Putin look bad, the tension rises between the two men. Berezovsky leaves the country, joining Litvinenko
in England, seeking political asylum. They
do what they can to start a new political party and remove Putin from power, but
they no longer have influence. |
Will Keen as Vladimir Putin Photo courtesy fo Patriots |
The structure of this
play is remarkable. Playwright Peter
Morgan sets up Boris Berezovsky as a wealthy oligarch, only interested in himself,
his position, and his financial gain. He
is arrogant and disliked. The
villain. Vladimir Putin is a
weakling. The underdog. In Act II, Putin rapidly become the villain,
and Berezovsky, who tries to take him down, becomes the sympathetic hero. The dramatic action of the play revolves
around the conflict between these two characters, and Michael Stuhlbarg and
Will Keen are phenomenal. Mr. Stuhlbarg
commands the stage, continually making
demands, and spouting threats. He pointedly
sets the tone and pace. Will Keen masterfully
portrays the transformation of Putin from a meek “yes man” to a decisive
leader. He takes the tone and pace set
by Mr. Stuhlbarg and focuses it with laser beam precision.
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Alex Hurt as Alexander Litvinenko Photo courtesy fo Patriots |
There are equally strong performance
by Luke Thallon (Roman Abramovich), Alex Hurt (Alexander Litvinenko), Ronald
Guttman (Professor Perelman, Berezovsky’s teacher), and Stella Baker (Marina
Litvinenko). These characters all have
very specific intentions at the start of the story. As
Putin takes control, their needs shift. These
actors skillfully and truthfully portray this stoic transformation with grit
and caution.
Patriots is playing for a limited
engagement at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre.
It is a powerful play, excellently directed, and stunningly performed. You must see it!
Domenick Danza