A harrowing story is told through Inna Goncharova’s play but the frantic energy of the production can mean the elements of the story is lost.
Early in 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, the main focus of the war in its earliest months was in Mariupol, where countless bombs bombarded civilians with its Azovstal steel works providing the last form of shelter for those looking for safety in the city.
It is here in which The Trumpeter takes place and follows the harrowing and poignant story of the unnamed trumpeter who is the last survivor of the the Ukraine’s 36th Marine Brigade’s brass band, who is trying to compose a symphony and find harmony in the war.
Written by Inna Goncharova, The Trumpeter has plenty to say about the terror of war but equally how it forges friendships and unites people under the most tragic of circumstances – as seen through the Trumpeter’s bond with young lieutenant Collier who is badly wounded and how he encourages him to express his feelings to the ‘Nightingale’ a nurse who helps attend to him. There is also poignancy in the way in which the Trumpeter reminisces about happier times in Ukraine – with references to performances in a wedding band.
While the language is poetic and powerful, the frantic energy of Vladimir Shcherban’s production and Kristin Milwar’s performance can become slightly overwhelming – particularly in the way in which chairs are thrown around and the use of the smoke machine feels a little overblown.
However, it has to be said that Hakan Hafizoglu’s lighting and sound design is powerful – particularly when using the sounds of war to realistic effect in a blackout moment. Equally, there is a rawness to both Shcherban’s production and Milwar’s performance that keeps the sense of claustrophobia and uncertainty right at the forefront of the audience’s mind.
At just an hour long, there is potential here for even more development of the story and characters along the way and of course there is plenty more to be said about the pain of the Ukraine war even while it still continues. The main issue with this production is the fact that there is a high intensity level in the play means that the frantic energy of the production can feel the story and characters is slightly lost.
This being said it is still harrowing and profound theatrical experience that makes it worth a watch.
By Emma Clarendon
The Trumpeter continues to play at the Finborough Theatre until the 3rd August.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐