Journalists Responsibility is to Expose the Truth – Vladimir

Oct 30, 2024 by Two Sues On the Aisle

By Two Sues on the Aisle, Susie Rosenbluth and Sue Weston

Vladimir is a dark historical drama based on a true story set in the Soviet Union in the early 2000s. The show opens with President Boris Yeltsin announcing that he is stepping down. The play written by Erika Sheffer explores Putin’s rise to power through the eyes of an investigative journalist who is committed to exposing wrongdoing no matter the cost. She pushes forward even when they try to silence her. Vladimir reminds us of the importance of a free press as the voice that demands justice.

Vladimir will be at the Manhattan Theater Club until Nov 10, 2024.

Plot Summary

While Putin never appears in the play the impact of his policies is the central focus. Raya is an investigative reporter (Francesca Faridany) supported by her editor Kostya (Norbert Leo Butz) until things become too dangerous. Kostya receives a strong warning from a former classmate in the Putin regime to stop Raya’s investigation – or else. Then he is given a job as a producer for government-controlled TV.

Raya is on the brink of breaking an explosive story about the war in Chechnya. She follows the money trail and uncovers corruption that extends to the highest levels of government. The closer she gets to the truth, the more danger she puts herself and her sources in.

When Raya leaves the Soviet Union on a scheduled book tour in the United States, Kostya begs her never to return. The play ends with her contemplating returning home.

Truth and Consequences

Vladimir questions the responsibility of the media to find the truth and expose immorality at any cost.

During one of her trips, Raya meets a Chechnyan woman who makes her question whether her work as a journalist even makes a difference. Raya advises the woman about the importance of attracting attention to her cause and getting noticed. They do not discuss consequences. What if attracting attention results in the death of others?

As a journalist Raya learns about the actions of the Putin regime, she believes her nation is headed for disaster. Does she have the responsibility to expose the corruption even if it puts her and her informant’s lives in danger?

Where to draw the line?

The show presents a uniquely Jewish angle. One of Raya’s informants, Yevgny, a financial analyst (David Rosenberg), and his boss, Jim (Jonathan Walker), are Jewish. Yevgeny, a soon-to-be-new father, is initially afraid to provide information to Raya. He later agrees to support her investigation. As a result of his actions, he is sent to prison where he is beaten mercilessly. Jim initially encouraged Yevgny to be a lion and stand up for his beliefs. But, once Jim understands the extent of the corruption, he decides to remain silent.

The Playwright

Erika Sheffer is Jewish. Her family immigrated to the United States from the Soviet Union in 1975. They survived pogroms, government surveillance, and antisemitism. She grew up in Boro Park, Brooklyn, and attended a Hasidic all-girls school, where her grandmother worked in the kitchen. Sheffer’s background provides context as she tries to understand and explain the rise in extremism and violence and appeals to the audience to maintain their humanity.

Our Thoughts

This provocative and politically relevant piece is relevant today as the media pushes personal agendas shaping the news rather than championing truth and exposing corruption. Politics always becomes personal, especially when personal gain puts people on different sides of the issue. In Vladimir, an entire country caves to Putin’s wishes, backing away from issues and conforming just to survive.

We can see how easily government control and corruption can happen, especially as the news media loses its authenticity, when facts become questionable, and the truth is hidden. Without the brave journalists whose integrity propels them to call for justice where would we be? Sheffer gives us a wake-up call.

Two Sues on the Aisle bases its ratings on how many challahs (1-5) it pays to buy (rather than make) to see the play, show, film, book, or exhibit being reviewed.

Vladimir received 3 Challahs

RUN TIME Approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes with one intermission

Vladimir will be at the Manhattan Theater Club until Nov 10, 2024.