Mother Russia (play)

Mother Russia is a dark comedic stage play by American playwright Lauren Yee set in 1990s Russia following two friends who create their own surveillance business to spy on a pop star in the aftermath of the Soviet Union's collapse. The play premiered in 2026 Off-Broadway at Signature Theatre Company.

Plot

The play follows two friends, Evgeny and Dmitri, living in 1992 Russia following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The two create their own DIY surveillance business and use it to spy on pop star, Katya, whom Evgeny is in love with. Amid newfound capitalistic freedoms, the two find a changed world leading them to misadventures. The play also features a Greek chorus character named Mother Russia, who comments on the changing Russia as they encounter it.

Production history

2026 Off-Broadway premiere

The play had its Off-Broadway premiere at the Signature Theatre Company's Romulus Linney Courtyard Theatre in 2026, running from March 2 through 29, 2026 after an extension due to high demand. Directed by Teddy Bergman, the production starred Adam Chanler-Berat as Evgeny, Steven Boyer as Dmitri, Rebecca Naomi Jones as Katya and David Turner as Mother Russia. The production received mixed to positive reviews, with The New York Times naming it a Critic's Pick, calling it "as funny as it’s smart" and praising the "strong cast." Conversely, New York Theatre Guide did praise the show for its "witty condemnation of capitalism's corrupting power," though lamennted that the Mother Russia "conceit undermines the play’s later attempts to appear sincere."

The play was nominated for two Lucille Lortel Awards for Outstanding Play and Outstanding Featured Performer in a Play, the latter which Turner won.

2025 Seattle World Premiere

Mother Russia had its world premiere in early 2025 with Seattle Repertory Theatre at The Leo K. Theatre. It ran from March 12th, 2025 to April 13th, 2025.

2025 Portland production

The play next premiered at Profile Theatre in Portland, Oregon, prior to its Off-Broadway run, and is playing from June 5 through June 22, 2025. Directed by Josh Hecht, the production starred Bets Swadis as Evgeny, Orion Bradshaw as Dmitri, Ashley Song as Katya and Diane Kondrat as Mother Russia. The production received similarly mixed to positive reviews, with Portland Mercury lauding the show's "tragicomic angle" as "refreshing," while also criticizing the show for not connecting the plot to today's rise of fascism.

Cast and characters

Accolades

2026 Off-Broadway production