Economist Podcasts The Weekend Intelligence: The trial of Yevgenia Berkovich
34 snips
Oct 11, 2025 
Yevgenia Berkovich, a renowned theatre director and playwright, discusses her harrowing trial in Russia, where she was convicted for her experimental play. The conversation dives into the chilling reasons behind her prosecution, including the state's reliance on dubious 'destructology' evidence. Berkovich defends her work by showcasing its anti-terrorism messages and critiques the use of art as a scapegoat for political dissent. The episode sheds light on her imprisonment and the ongoing struggle for artistic freedom under oppressive regimes.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Play Blends Folklore With Real Testimony
- Finis the Bright Falcon used folklore and real testimonies to dramatize women lured to Syria.
- The play aimed to humanize victims and warn against violent radicalization.
Arrest Of The Director And Playwright
- In May 2023 Evgenia Berkovich and Svetlana Petrichuk were arrested and jailed for their play.
- They were accused of publicly justifying and promoting terrorism despite the play's intent.
Dubious 'Districtology' Evidence
- Prosecutors relied on a dubious 'districtology' report to claim the play glorified ISIS.
- The term and method were unfamiliar and later contested as non-scientific.