LOVE LETTERS TO STALIN by Juan Maydrga translated by Klaudia Novelles at Golden Goose Theatre 9 – 11 April 2026

“With a punchy new translation by Novelles and directed by Madeleine Rich, Love Letters to Stalin feels especially resonant in these times.” ★★★ ½

We live in dark times when it can be frightening just turning on the news – barely sane politicians, economic catastrophes, and increasing restrictions on protest, even in democracies. And what is the role of art during these times? The turbulent twentieth century might act as a guide, and it is an apt moment to revive Love Letters to Stalin. Written by Spanish Playwright Juan Maydrga, who grew up under Franco’s dictatorship, the play is set during Stalin’s terror in the Soviet Union during the late 1920s/early 1930s.

In a Moscow apartment we find successful real-life playwright Mikhail Bulgakov, who is most well-known for the posthumously published The Master and Margarita, suddenly finding offers of work drying up and his existing work banned, desperate to know how to proceed. Baris Apaydin plays Bulgakov with a wonderful determination and nervous energy. His wife Elena, played by Klaudia Novelles (who also translates), grounds Bulgakov. In the play’s most memorable scenes, Bulgakov writes letters to Stalin pleading his case, a dangerous thing to do, whilst Elena roleplays Stalin offering a critique of the letters, with Novelles adding great humour to the scenario, but with the underlying fear they are standing on the precipice. But as Bulgakov descends into nervous exhaustion Stalin (Luca Saraceni-Gunner) himself appears before him. Offering whimsical advice and gentle challenge, Stalin’s increased presence is indicative of Bulgakov’s deteriorating state of mind.     

With a punchy new translation by Novelles and directed by Madeleine Rich, Love Letters to Stalin feels especially resonant in these times. Although Maydrga’s script is perhaps a little long and repetitive toward the end, Rich’s production is taut and pacy, and the design (Amelia Feeney) and lighting (Brian Rudnicki) is imaginative. It is so refreshing to see an up-and-coming theatre company (Through Line) producing foreign language works rarely seen in London in new translations, especially such political works. In an era where writers remain persecuted (see Amnesty International’s campaigns) and speaking out against genocides can still lose artists work in Western Democracies, Love Letters to Stalin feels as pertinent as ever.

LOVE LETTERS TO STALIN by Juan Maydrga translated by Klaudia Novelles, directed by Madeleine Rich, Produced by Through Line

Playing at the Golden Goose theatre until 11 April: https://www.goldengoosetheatre.co.uk/