SLAVA UKRAINI! (OR WAITING FOR ELON) – A Few Thoughts Theatre at Atwater Village Theater
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Middle-earth meets the front line.
The Russian Army (now an evil enemy to Ukraine), launched a full-scale invasion in 2022, after fighting with each other since 2014. At one time they lived together in great brotherhood but now hate has taken over, governing emotions on both sides.
Seen through the eyes of young soldiers in each army, who relate deeply to Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, they discuss many devastating experiences. They are following their hearts in what they believe, expressing true love for their country.
L.A.’s newest theater company (AFT – A Few Thoughts Theater) opened their inaugural production, Slava Ukraini! (or Waiting for Elon) by Keith Szarabajka, at Atwater Village Theater #3, 3269 Casitas Avenue L.A., CA. 90039.
Surrounded by armed forces, two Ukrainian and one Russian soldier are trapped in the bombed-out Azovstal Iron and Steel Works plant in Mariupol, just days before the siege ended.
“The play is from the Ukrainian point of view, while illustrating the causes of the war and its history,” says Szarabajka/the playwright, “I wonder if we can recognize a shared moral nature anymore? The story is seen through the lens of Lord of The Rings, searching for a righteous Gondor in a war fought entirely by Orcs.” Strong visuals and compelling dialogue.
Roughly ten million Ukrainians have been forced from their homes. It is estimated that total casualties (including the dead, wounded, and missing) across both militaries surpasses two million. Antihuman wars don’t spare anyone; young, old, ugly, pretty, rich or poor. Many are wounded or killed.
The character Olha, a young soldier who was raped and left to die when Russians killed her parents years before, is strongly and with determination portrayed by Jasmine Kimiko. Out of fear, and an urgency to protect herself while fighting for survival, Olha’s emotions regarding the Russians are intensely physical and mental and fully expressed. Lovely job, Jasmine!
Her costars, James Morris as Vitaliy and Christopher Reiling as Yevgeny, bring authenticity and depth to their performances by conveying their verbal and nonverbal messages through the characters physicality, gestures and humor. All three actors work seamlessly together while engaging the audience in this compelling story.
Skillfully directed by Tony Pasqualini, an award-winning director, who knows how to bring bold stories to life, and create a space for truth, humor, and humanity on the stage says, ‘Keith has written a brilliant human play, about three damaged characters in an impossible situation, all desperately trying to survive. All trying to find some meaning and justification for their actions and the actions of their countries. In addition, Vitality, the younger Ukrainian soldier is convinced that Elon Musk will come to save them.”
The show is produced by Brad Bentz, who also serves as scenic, prop, and costume designer, and Matt Richter who designed the lighting, sound and video elements of this show.
The production opened on August 8th and runs until August 31, 2026, with performances on Fri, Sat, Mon at 8pm and Sun at 3pm (no performance on August 16 and 17). General admission: $40, $30 for seniors, $20 for students. Check website ticketing for group discounts. Free street parking and at the lot one block south of the theatre.
Reservations can be made at www.afttheater.org