The Trumpeter is the latest in a series of Ukrainian shows performed in English at the Finborough Theatre. On most evenings, it will be accompanied after a short break by an opportunity to see one or more events lasting no more than forty minutes. These could include poetry, songs or even a short drama and are free to ticket-holders.
Inna Goncharova’s intense fifty-minute play takes place in the closing phase of the brutal Russian siege of the Azovstal steelworks in Mariupol 2022, where a trumpeter, played by Kristin Milwar, recalls the reasons he found his way into the brigade brass band of which he is now the only survivor.
That decision had more to do with the opportunity to play his instrument than any urge to fight, but the disturbing trauma of war made him want to compose a symphony of war. He is glad his girlfriend was out of the country when the invasion began.
Occasionally, Kristen will also briefly take on the roles of other occupants of the refuge, particularly the injured Collier whom he encourages to reveal his feelings directly to a nurse he is fond of.
Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to determine which character is speaking. This can confuse the meaning of what is being said. There is also an intensity that can be distracting, especially when clouds of dry ice pour onto the stage as the Trumpeter howls in circles.
This could be an important play bearing witness to an issue most of us feel strongly about, but it perhaps needs work to help the audience follow more clearly what is happening.