Norbert Leo Butz and Francesca Faridany explain what VLADIMIR is about

Next up at the Manhattan Theater Club is the world premiere of “Vladimir,” written by Erika Sheffer and directed by Tony Award winner Daniel Sullivan. The cast of “Vladimir” includes two-time Tony Award winner Norbert Leo Butz, Erin Darke, Francesca Faridany, Erik Jensen, Olivia Deren Nikkanen, David Rosenberg and Jonathan Walker.

What is it about? “I think the play is about how the political is always personal,” Butz explained. “Authoritarian governments pose real challenges to families, friends and intimate relationships, especially when on opposite sides of these binary political arguments. This is a truly fantastic piece – a man experiencing real disillusionment and struggling with his life's work.”

This powerful world premiere takes place in Moscow, where an independent journalist covering Putin's first term struggles to maintain sanity and hope in increasingly hostile circumstances. She is on the verge of an explosive story – but as the danger for her and her informants increases, she wonders whether her courage will make any difference. Vladimir is about confronting immorality at all costs when you know your nation is headed for disaster.

“I am so inspired by the work. Erika Sheffer wrote one Really good game. “It’s a really contemporary piece,” Faridany added. “It’s so exciting and I love it.”

Watch the cast and creative team chat more about what the play is about in this video!