Golem

For the first time on the Dutch stage, contemporary Ukrainian drama was presented in Dutch, performed by two renowned actresses. This play is based on the real-life loss of playwright Sasha Denisova’s first husband.

The story follows two women, Maria and Marta — the widow and the ex-wife of the fallen soldier Max — balancing on the fragile edge between reality and madness. What unfolds is a sharp, piercing, and at times absurdly funny confrontation between two women who seemingly have nothing in common — except their love for the same man. While Ukraine groans under the weight of war, Maria and Marta cling to each other, to memories, and to a strange, desperate attempt to make sense of their loss.

Told with dark humor, raw emotion, and unexpected tenderness, Golem brings to life the story of the silent victims of war — those left behind, the loved ones whose stories never make headlines. It is a play about love, loss, and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

The production incorporates extensive video elements emphasizing its poetic quality. Minimalist black-and-white scenography creates a sense of duality. An important role in the performance is played by a puppet whose presence blurs reality — at times it seems as if the puppet has a life of its own on stage.