Ellen Leslie
Inspired by Svetlana Alexievich’s Prayer for Chernobyl, Atomic Tales is a harrowing play that portrays the impact of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. It is told from the point of view of Ludmilla (Elena Arvigo), whose husband was one of the firefighters who responded to the incident.
When Ludmilla’s husband is hospitalised for what is initially believed to be gas poisoning, she is determined to stay with him. It is a remarkable tale of resilience, loss, and most importantly, love.
It is not a perfectly detailed account of the disaster, but rather one woman’s account of her experiences. Grief has affected her memory, so there are gaps in the narrative, and places where she repeats herself.
It is hard to follow every detail of the plot, but what’s most apparent is her insurmountable love for her husband. She refuses to leave his side, despite pleas from doctors and nurses to protect herself, instead doing her very best to make him happy.
Arvigo puts on a heartfelt performance, so much so that it’s hard to separate her from the woman in the text. She truly pours her heart and soul into making Ludmilla come alive.
The audience feels every emotion deeply, from anger at the lies that the authorities told her, to the worry she feels for her husband as his condition worsens despite following the doctor’s advice, and then later, elation at being able to see him.
At first glance, the set is interesting. A folded bed and a chair sits at the stage left, while a dining table and chairs are set up on stage right, decorated as if in preparation for a dinner party. Arvigo pulls out the bed when her husband moves to a Russian hospital, making it with great care and love, but the dining table isn’t used except for her to lean against. It’s not clear what its purpose is.
Once the narrative is finished, there is a short period where Arvigo leaves the stage, leaving the audience to reflect on what we’ve just watched to a soundtrack of orchestral music. This pause is greatly appreciated.
In the hustle and bustle of the Fringe, often the audience rush out of the theatre to get ready for the next show, so having space built into the performance to really sit with the it, to ponder on the other survivors of the disaster, is refreshing, and intensifies the impact.
When we think of tragedies like Chernobyl, all too often we forget the humans who lived through it, watching their loved ones suffer. Atomic Tales shifts the focus back to them, ensuring we don’t forget about this remarkable woman. A heartfelt and moving show, it is a testament to the power of love, and the kindness of people.
Recommended drink: Orange juice. Oranges are Ludmilla’s favourite fruit.
You can catch Atomic Tales at Zoo Playground (Playground 1) from August 19-30 at 15:15 (60 mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Hannah Hamilton
Lola Rose Wood
Freddie Haberfellner
