I recently finished reading a book called “Voices from Chernobyl” by Svetlana Alexievich, click on the title link to read reviews and find purchasing info, or better yet order it from your local bookstore.  It is described as a documentary and I would expand on that by saying it is a series of monologues that the author collected through interviews with people directly affected by the 1986 Chernobyl disaster.  It is very powerful reading and I would recommend it to anyone, you will not only get a better understanding of the problems caused by the accident and the impact on the people, but also a better understanding of the culture.

Cindy Marie Jenkins, a playwright, director and educator based in Los Angeles, California, has adapted portions of the book into a “play that explores how the Chernobyl disaster affected the people living in the area, including the long-term mental and physical effects of radiation”.  It is Cindy’s hope that this play will be used around the world to help raise awareness as well as present an ongoing platform to support those still affected.  CAC is hoping to produce this play at some time in the future.

The author has created a short video excerpt from the play which can be found on her website, YouTube and I have included it here.  Please take a few minutes to watch this video, then go out and buy the book!

Eric