A New Play by Serhiy Trymbach Explores Dovzhenko's Wartime Life

Serhiy Trymbach's New Theatrical Work

According to Главком: Award-winning Ukrainian screenwriter and scholar Serhiy Trymbach is writing a new play titled 'Dovzhenko and the Women'. The work focuses on the life of the renowned Ukrainian film director and screenwriter Oleksandr Dovzhenko during the Second World War. Its primary setting is the kitchen of a Moscow apartment between 1943 and 1944, a period which includes the time after Dovzhenko brought his mother to Moscow in 1943.

The Play's Inspiration and Content

The initial concept for the play was suggested by the Ukrainian poet and translator Ivan Drach. Trymbach recalls amusing Drach with anecdotes from Dovzhenko's correspondence with relatives in Moscow, where the filmmaker wrote that 'nothing is more terrifying than old women.' This prompted Drach to propose a play called 'Dovzhenko and the Women'.

Trymbach recounted: 'Later, I brought him the correspondence materials and said: study these. A week later, Drach passed away. Recently, I decided to return to this idea.'

The character of Joseph Stalin also appears in the play. A key scene set on January 31, 1944, depicts Dovzhenko being summoned to the Politburo of the Central Committee to discuss his screenplay for 'Ukraine in Flames'. Serhiy Trymbach notes:

'These women, excuse the term, sensed that an axe was hanging over Dovzhenko, but didn't understand why, whereas his wife Solntseva understood perfectly well it could all end tragically. However, Stalin let Dovzhenko live.'

The drama features the women in Dovzhenko's orbit: his wife, mother, mother-in-law, and a domestic worker. Trymbach emphasizes that the core action unfolds in the kitchen, around a table where Dovzhenko interacts with these four women. This space becomes a witness to complex emotions and critical decisions made under wartime pressure. This setting offers a unique domestic perspective on a major historical figure during a global conflict.

Beyond this play, Serhiy Trymbach is the author of several books:

• 'Oleksandr Dovzhenko. The Death of the Gods / Author Identification in National Space-Time'
• 'Oleksandr Dovzhenko. From Hell to Paradise'

He also authored the film 'Dovzhenko Begins'. His accolades include the Oleksandr Dovzhenko State Prize of Ukraine in 2008, the James Mace Prize in 2016, and the Taras Shevchenko National Prize of Ukraine in 2026.

Oleksandr Dovzhenko is best known internationally for his groundbreaking 1930 silent film 'Earth'. On the eve of Ukrainian Cinema Day, a monument to this distinguished artist was unveiled at the Dovzhenko Film Studio in Kyiv.

Serhiy Trymbach's new play not only recreates the historical context of Oleksandr Dovzhenko's life but also examines the intersection of personal and societal conflicts during war. It promises to be a significant contribution to contemporary Ukrainian theatre, reflecting the emotional and psychological strains faced by individuals in extreme circumstances. The play's development is likely to renew interest in Dovzhenko's legacy and his profound impact on Ukrainian cinema and culture.

As Serhiy Trymbach delves into Dovzhenko's life during a tumultuous period, it’s essential to understand the broader context of his complex interactions with Soviet authorities. This exploration not only sheds light on Dovzhenko's artistic struggles but also reveals the intricate dynamics of power in Soviet Ukraine. For a deeper insight into the filmmaker's relationship with the regime, you can read about Dovzhenko's nuanced ties to Soviet power.