What Do You Want, A Ukrainian God?

Synopsis

A flight from Moscow to Kiev, where national identity and personal insecurities collide in the confined space of an airplane

Natalia Vorozhbit’s play “What do you want, a Ukrainian God?” unfolds entirely within the economy section of a plane flying from Moscow to Kiev. The story centers on an interaction between an unnamed Ukrainian man and a foreign girl, as they engage in a conversation that quickly evolves from casual small talk to heated discussions about Ukrainian politics, culture, and identity.

As the flight progresses, the dialogue reveals the complex relationship the Ukrainian man has with his homeland – a mix of pride, frustration, and nostalgia. His attempts to impress the girl with facts about Ukraine are met with unexpected political questions, exposing his lack of engagement with current affairs. The play takes a dramatic turn when a potential crisis on the plane forces both characters to confront their fears and prejudices.

Through sharp, often humorous dialogue, Vorozhbit explores themes of national stereotypes, cultural displacement, and the struggle for belonging. The confined setting of the airplane serves as a metaphor for the limitations of national identity in a globalised world. As the characters navigate their unexpected intimacy, the play offers a poignant commentary on the complexities of modern Ukrainian identity, caught between East and West, tradition and progress.