Theater Review: Laughing Through Collapse in Mother Russia
Briefly

Lauren Yee's 'Mother Russia' highlights the impact of post-Soviet capitalism through the eyes of two men reconnecting in Saint Petersburg. Their comedic yet tragic exploration of identity and desire occurs against a backdrop of 1990s Western brands. The play critiques the modern morality shaped by capitalism while intertwining themes of surveillance and government decay, ultimately questioning whether the sweetness of commercialism can also lead to societal sickness. It also hints at the rise of authoritarianism following the collapse of the Soviet Union, making its cultural commentary relevant today.
Dmitri admits that his shop is a front for a surveillance operation, reflecting the hostile reality of post-Soviet life, where commerce and control intertwine, reminiscent of past regimes.
Lauren Yee's 'Mother Russia' explores the dichotomy of capitalism, pondering if it is nourishing or detrimental, as characters grapple with their desires and the mirage of fast food.
Read at Portland Mercury
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