First Métis Man of Odesa
Matthew MacKenzie and Mariya Khomutova
Punctuate! Theatre in Association with The Theatre Centre
Matt and Masha’s love spans continents, but distance can’t tame their passionate connection. After meeting on a theatre research trip in Kyiv, a Canadian Playwright and a Ukrainian artist spark up a romance that takes them from the beaches of the Black Sea to the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, through the onset of a global pandemic and the eruption of a brutal war, plus many moments of joy through it all including marriage and the birth of their son.
A World Premiere from the creator of the critically acclaimed play, Bears. Based on actual events, this captivating real-life love story is set against the backdrop of the COVID pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Award-winning playwright Matthew MacKenzie joins forces with his wife, award-winning Ukrainian actress Mariya Khomutova, to tell the story of their COVID courtship and share an intimate perspective on the personal impacts of the war in Ukraine.
Written and Performed by: Matthew MacKenzie and Mariya Khomutova
Directed by: Lianna Makuch*
Production Design by: Daniela Masellis
Projection Design by: Amelia Scott
Composition by: Daraba
Sound Design by: Aaron Macri
Choreographed by: Krista Lin
Dramaturgy by: Matt McGeachy
Stage Managed by: Lore Green*
Rehearsals Stage Managed by: Kiidra Duhault
Production Managed & Technical Directed by: Trent Crosby
Design Consultation & Scenic Artwork by: Dawn Marie Marchand
Beadwork by: Maria Nelson & Krista Leddy
Produced by: Sheiny Satanove
Associate Produced by: Alyson Dicey
Associate Produced by: desirée leverenz
Head Scenic Painting by: Emily Randall
Painting by: Amy Powell & Ashley Hiibner
Drape Stitching by: Theatre Garage
Fabrication by: art lab
*The participation of these Artists is arranged by permission of Canadian Actors’ Equity Association under the provisions of the Dance Opera Theatre Policy (DOT).
From March 30, 2023
to April 8, 2023
Tickets are $27.50 Adult, $17.50 Student/Senior/Arts Worker
Franco Boni Theatre
Thursday, March 30 – 8pm (Preview)
Friday, March 31 – 8pm (Opening)
Saturday, April 1 – 8pm (Ukrainian Community Night)
Sunday, April 2 – 3pm (PWYC)
Tuesday, April 4 – 8pm* (PWYC)
Wednesday, April 5 – 1pm
Thursday, April 6 – 8pm
Friday, April 7 – 8pm
Saturday, April 8 – 3pm
Saturday, April 8 – 8pm
*This performance will be followed by a talk-back with Andrew Kushnir, moderated by Luke Reece
This performance is 1 hour 30 min with no intermission
April 28, 2025
“Hope is a verb, it requires action, and the action comes from a belief that those actions matter. Meanwhile despair, hope’s opposite, is the enemy of action. Why take action when nothing we do matters anyway?” — Prompt from our September Community Gathering “…And yet these moments are the portals to other worlds. Just worlds....
