A love story spanning continents, a pandemic, and war, The First Métis Man of Odesa tells the story of Masha and Matt, a Ukrainian actress from Odesa and a Métis playwright from Edmonton, who meet on a theatre research trip in Kyiv.
The play follows the joys and challenges of their growing relationship as they get married and welcome their son while facing the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Together, the two learn how to love and support one another through the mundane challenges of living with your mother-in-law and the life-changing impacts of war.
(L-R): Mariya Khomutova and Matthew MacKenzie. Photo by Alexis McKeown.
Based on true events in their life, the play is written and acted by the real-life couple, award-winning playwright Matthew MacKenzie and actress Mariya Khomutova.
MacKenzie begins the play with a land acknowledgement and by introducing himself, letting the audience know that he isn’t an actor. Without this, it would be impossible to guess. His performance, as himself, is touching and hilarious. His physicality and delivery play beautifully off of Khomutova’s seasoned acting chops.
(L-R): Matthew MacKenzie and Mariya Khomutova. Photo by Alexis McKeown.
The minimal but beautiful staging is used to great effect, mimicking a classical stage, which alludes to the art form which brought them together and has helped them share their story.
Both effervescent and sombre, the play reflects the highs and lows of MacKenzie and Khomutova’s life together as they find humour, meaning, and each other as they build a relationship and a family in the face of pandemic and war.
(L-R): Matthew MacKenzie and Mariya Khomutova. Photo by Alexis McKeown.
Through telling their personal story, the play raises questions about the role art plays in times of crisis and prompts the audience to consider how they can support themselves and their communities. Both timely and timeless, The First Métis Man of Odesa is a must-see.
The First Métis Man of Odesa is playing at the Azrieli Studio, located at 1 Elgin St., from Sept. 18–28. For ticket options and pricing, click here. For more information about the NAC English Theatre’s season, check out their website.
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