Meet Nikolai, a retired Ukrainian engineer and tractor historian, and his daughters, Vera and Nadezhda, who haven’t spoken since the death of their mother. None of them are prepared for the fluffy pink grenade that’s about to explode into their lives.

Nikolai is instantly besotted with thirty-six year old bombshell Valentina, but is she a refuge searching for better opportunities, or visa seeker trying to cheat a vulnerable old man? The sisters unite in horror to defend their father and what remains of his pension.

As Valentina’s dreams of Western prosperity begin to shatter, things take a darker turn. Nadezhda and her shaken family must face the ghosts of their past, confront their heritage and rediscover relationships.

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A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian is Marina Lewycka’s bestselling debut novel has sold over one million copies worldwide. Lewycka tells the side-splittingly funny story of two feuding sisters, Vera and Nadezhda, who join forces against their father’s new, gold-digging girlfriend.

Tanika Gupta has adapted this story for the stage. It was first performed at Hull Truck Theatre from the 22nd September to 14th October 2017 as part of the celebrations for Hull’s year as City of Culture.