‘Patriots’ on Broadway Criticized for Lacking Insight into Russian Politics

Peter Morgan's new play, focusing on Vladimir Putin and Boris Berezovsky, fails to capture the complexity of post-Soviet Russia.

The play 'Patriots' on Broadway, written by 'The Crown' creator Peter Morgan, has been criticized for its superficial treatment of Russian political dynamics.
Despite creative stage design and strong performances, the play does not provide a deep understanding of the characters or the historical context.
Critics note that the play simplifies complex historical events and reduces them to personal dramas, overlooking broader societal impacts.
The portrayal of Putin as a character alternates between comical and menacing, but lacks a nuanced exploration of his rise to power.
The use of outdated Soviet iconography in the play's production has been pointed out as a misstep, failing to accurately reflect modern Russian issues.