My Mama and the Full-Scale Invasion dramaturgy

January 26, 2024

A note from Adapter and co-dramaturg, Kellie Mecleary

My Mama and the Full-Scale Invasion was written in the first few months of the war in Ukraine, in 2022, while the United States was firmly supporting the country’s seemingly-miraculous defense against Russia. It is both a personal tale of a woman’s complicated relationship with her mother, and a tribute to the country’s resilience – as seen through 81-year old Olga Ivanovna’s refusal to leave Kyiv while the war rages on.  

Olga Ivanovna is still in Kyiv. She hasn’t given up –but American support is wavering. And so the play feels more important than ever to share with you all, as a reminder of the importance of our continued support.  

Below, you will find some resources on the history of Ukraine that give context for the present moment, articles on the importance of American support, and ways you can donate or get involved. Thank you for your time and interest. 

-Kellie Mecleary,
Adapter and co-Dramaturg

TO READ:

Why Ukraine can beat Russia, and why that matters to America
– Trudy Rubin, Philadelphia Inquirer, 12/15/23 

Have Questions about Urkaine’s War with Russia? Here are Some Answers
– Trudy Rubin, Philadelphia Inquirer, 10/8/23 

TO LISTEN:

• Ukraine’s Dangerous History – NPR’s Throughline podcast
• What We Need to Know about Ukraine’s History: Professor Timothy Snyder on the Radio Davos Podcast – produced by Radio Davos and the World Economic forum

TO WATCH:

• Deep Dive: Professor Timothy Snyder’s Fall 2022 Yale class entitled, “The Making of Modern Ukraine“