Mariupol, a city in now occupied Ukraine, is the emotional centre of this strong new play. Economically staged but fully written, it starts simply, when two young people meet. But, at a time when Ukraine is part of the USSR, she’s a middle-class Muscovite, he’s a Ukrainian merchant seaman. An improbable but intense love affair follows. It’s acutely described, as are the ups and downs of ordinary life after they part, setting the scene for their brief uncertain encounters over the ensuing decades. At first showing the great power of enduring love, the theme inevitably darkens after Putin starts what he calls a ‘special military operation’ and the rest of the world knows as invasion and war. Highly recommended theatre.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 25 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Alan Cranston]