How did we get here? Not in the metaphysical sense, but in the sense of global autocratic authority in 2024? Playwright Peter Morgan attempts to show us in Patriots, his latest play that transferred from London’s West End. There, it was widely praised by critics and audiences. Here, it’s been received with lukewarm reaction, proof that British hits don’t always translate well in the United States.
This is not to say that Patriots isn’t a worthwhile theater outing. “Your son is a golden child. A little obnoxious sometimes, because he knows it, but golden. I predict he will be one of the great Russian mathematicians,” Boris Berezovsky’s (Michael Stuhlbarg) math teacher tells his mother.
Boris’ teacher was right. Boris would rise to become a larger-than-life figure of Russian politics who would run the country’s media conglomerates and become a kingmaker for contemporary politicians including Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin (Will Keen).
For as powerful as he would become however, Putin remained under the thumb of Berezovsky and, when ideological and political differences became apparent, the two became enemies, “Why did you put me here? As you keep claiming you did,?” Putin asks him in a heated moment. ““To DO MY BIDDING!!!!! To know your place and do the only thing you are capable of!! The one thing sixteen years as a KGB jobsworth has prepared you for. To keep your nose down and follow orders!!! Not have ideas above your station, not breathe rarified air and go mad!! FOLLOW ORDERS like the appointee you are.”
It’s a startling moment to think the one individual with such tremendous wealth can consider the president of a major country his puppet.
Morgan has taken some creative license here and although Patriots is sometimes engaging, it feels way too long and contrived. He fares better with his previous works including Frost/Nixon and The Audience.
Still, those deeply interested in international politics may find Patriots to be their cup of tea. Not willing to spend money for a ticket? Fret not. Netflix, who serves as one of the producers of this stage work, will be adapting it for the small sceen soon.
Patriots is now on Broadway through June 23 at the Ethel Barrymore Theater 243 W. 47th Street. NYC For tickets and information, click here.