The Story Of The Ukraine War, Told With Puppets
A Short Work Of Political Theater
A curtain opens. In the middle of the stage, two wooden marionettes stand face to face under a spotlight.
. . . .
Zelenskyy
Why did you hit me?
. . . .
Putin
You made me do it.
. . . .
Zelenskyy
What? How?
. . . .
Putin
You pulled my strings.
. . . .
Zelenskyy
I didnʼt touch your strings.
. . . .
Putin
You accuse me of lying?
. . . .
An unseen force raises Putinʼs arm up, then swings it down hard, knocking Zelenskyyʼs arm out of its socket.
. . . .
Zelenskyy
(winces)
Ah! Look what you just did!
. . . .
Putin
Sorry, youʼve been disarmed… but I had no choice, you see.
. . . .
Zelenskyy
Stop acting like the victim here!
. . . .
Putin
(laughs)
Acting! Iʼm sure you know much about that.
. . . .
Zelenskyy
I used to be a performer, but those days are far behind me. Now, I take matters very seriously!
. . . .
As if by magic, a new wooden arm whisks into the scene and attaches to Zelenskyy’s shoulder socket.
. . . .
Putin
I see youʼve been re-armed.
. . . .
Zelenskyy
I have friends in high places who can supply me with unlimited arms.