Speaking the Same Language

Inspired by conversations about music with Maksym Hladetskyy, a resident of Ukraine.
Note: I was one of 30 playwrights selected to write a short script for Voices from Ukraine (Don Franz, artistic director). While my play was not one of the six selected for a public presentation, it was a joy getting to speak with Maksym and developing this script.

Alina, who has returned home to war-torn Ukraine after living in the U.S. as a foreign exchange student, is preparing for a football (soccer) game. Her mother, Oleksandra, wishes Alina would show interest in her flute – which has gone missing. A short play about generational conflict, Oleksandra and Alina learn that music provides all generations with a common language

Alina, who has returned home to war-torn Ukraine after living in the U.S. as a foreign exchange student, is preparing for a football (soccer) game. Her mother, Oleksandra, wishes Alina would show interest in her flute – which has gone missing. A short play about generational conflict, Oleksandra and Alina learn that music provides all generations with a common language

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Speaking the Same Language

Recommended by

  • John Busser: Speaking the Same Language

    01.03.26 - Finding a connection can be a messy affair. Generational connections even more so. But those types of bonds are more important than ever now in this divisive society. So it was extremely satisfying to find it in this piece by John Patrick Bray. The younger Alina seems destined to look away from her mother Oleksandra, but a shared love of music brings them together. This was beautifully done.

    01.03.26 - Finding a connection can be a messy affair. Generational connections even more so. But those types of bonds are more important than ever now in this divisive society. So it was extremely satisfying to find it in this piece by John Patrick Bray. The younger Alina seems destined to look away from her mother Oleksandra, but a shared love of music brings them together. This was beautifully done.

  • Melanie Payne: Speaking the Same Language

    A beautiful two-hander that is relevant to the current politics without being overtly political. It shows the need for people to find common ground. I really enjoyed reading it and could imagine it staged.

    A beautiful two-hander that is relevant to the current politics without being overtly political. It shows the need for people to find common ground. I really enjoyed reading it and could imagine it staged.

Character Information

  • Oleksandra
    Character Age
    40s
    Character Gender Identity
    Female
  • Alina
    Character Age
    18
    Character Gender Identity
    Female