The performance The Fabulous Life of Lina Prokofiev, showcased at the United Solo Festival, captivated audiences with its profound and emotional storytelling. Written and performed by the talented Australian actress Faye Bendrups, the play tells the life story of Lina Prokofiev – an extraordinary woman whose journey was marked by love, sacrifice, and tragedy. The show ran on November 8 and 9, 2024.
Bendrups opens the performance with an impressive multilingual repertoire, singing in five languages to reflect Lina's international spirit and fluency in eight languages. This choice underscores the cosmopolitan nature of her character and hints at the depth of her artistic abilities.
Born in Madrid, Lina Prokofiev was vibrant, cosmopolitan, and fiercely independent. She traveled the world with her opera singer parents, completed her education in New York, and was fluent in eight languages. Her life transformed forever after meeting Sergei Prokofiev at Carnegie Hall. Lina devoted herself to supporting his career, raising their two sons, and setting aside her artistic ambitions.
Bendrups brings Lina's complex story to life through a blend of musical performances and poetry, highlighting the dramatic arc of her fate. Argentine musician Guillermo Anad adds a nuanced soundscape with his violin, evoking the spirit of Prokofiev's genius.
The narrative takes the audience through Lina's turbulent experiences, from political upheaval to the horrors of war and personal repression. A pivotal moment occurs in 1935 when Prokofiev decides to return to the USSR, an event that triggers a chain of tragic consequences. In 1948, Lina was falsely accused of espionage and sentenced to 20 years of hard labor in the Gulag. Yet through it all, her indomitable spirit never wavered. Her famous declaration, "Life is wonderful! If you never stop fighting!" serves as a testament to her resilience.
The performance closes with a moving rendition of the Ukrainian song Dark Eyes, encapsulating Lina's story, stirring emotions, and symbolizing themes of longing, love, and hope. Bendrups' powerful portrayal, combined with Anad's emotive music, created an unforgettable experience.
"The Remarkable Story of Lina Prokofiev"
Written and Performed by Faye Bendrups
Directed by Lisa Petty
November 8-9, 2024
United Solo Festival, Theatre Row, NYC
The 17th United Solo Festival
September 24 – November 17, 2024
Theatre Row
410 West 42nd (btw 9th and 10th Avenue)
Born in Poland and based in New York, Agata Drogowska is a filmmaker, artist, journalist, writer, and curator specializing in the visual and performing arts. With a career spanning over two decades, Drogowska has become a significant figure in the cultural dialogue between Poland and the United States. She holds a degree in Painting and Arts Education from the University of the Arts in Poznań (formerly the Academy of Fine Arts) and a diploma in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy, which she completed in 2010. Her multidisciplinary background is reflected in her diverse accomplishments as a painter, set designer, and artistic director during her early career in Poland. Drogowska’s notable achievements include serving as Vice President of the Artistic Association “InterCity” (1999–2010), curating a critically acclaimed exhibition of works by renowned Polish-American photographer Ryszard Horowitz (2010), and leading the public art project “The Art Benches” (2003–2007), which transformed urban spaces in Poznań into interactive art installations. Since 2012, Drogowska has been based in New York, where she currently serves as the President of New York Artists and Filmmakers. Under her leadership, the organization is dedicated to showcasing contemporary Polish cinema and fostering artistic collaborations between Poland and the United States. Her work has been presented at renowned venues, including MoMA, the Tribeca Screening Room, and the Polish Consulate General in New York. Drogowska is also an accomplished filmmaker, having debuted with the short experimental film Sick Home, Home Sick in 2004. Beyond her artistic endeavors, she is an active journalist and writer, contributing insightful articles on art, film, and culture to international publications. Her projects often focus on preserving and celebrating the legacy of Polish cinema and art, emphasizing their relevance in contemporary global discourse. For more information, visit agatadrogowska.com.
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