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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.

Credits

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

Venue

Franco Boni Theatre

Performance Dates

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

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