Review: FIRST METIS MAN OF ODESA at National Arts Centre

The NAC welcomed Matthew MacKenzie and Mariya Khomutova to the Azrieli Studio stage last night at the premiere of their remarkable play, First Métis Man of Odesa. The play tells the story of Matthew and Mariya's lives together, from their introduction, through their courtship, and the first few years of their marriage until now.

At first, the romantic connection between the two seems obvious. A playwright (MacKenzie) meets a talented actress (Khomutova) and they, naturally, have shared interests and can have intellectual discussions about literature, poetry, and philosophy. The problem is that Khomutova lives in Urkraine and MacKenzie lives in Canada. Even though neither of them were really looking for a long-distance relationship, the distance factor isn't insurmountable. After all, it has been done before.

Enter the COVID-19 pandemic and things become a lot more complicated. Then, just as things start to feel like they're finally going back to normal, the Russian invasion of Ukraine sends their lives into turmoil. With everyone she has ever known affected by the devastation unfolding in her home country, Mariya feels helpless watching the news from Canada - and Matthew feels helpless watching Mariya agonize and retreat into herself. 

The subject matter is gripping, and the playwrights' romance is adorable. MacKenzie and Khomutova are clearly in love, and their mutual respect, affection, and chemistry are evident throughout the show. MacKenzie readily admits that he is no actor, but his deadpan, droll humour and comedic timing more than makes up for this. The acting is carried by Khomutova, whose expressive energy fills the room.

You would be forgiven for thinking the story was either a work of fiction. But truth is stranger than fiction: the pandemic was a strange time for everyone. The war in Ukraine is full of unimaginable horrors - and it is far from over. The playwrights chose to tell their story, not only because it's an inspiring story of true love, but because they want to document what happened and what continues to happen to the people of Ukraine, who, for all their lives, believed that the enemy would come from the West. 

The staging is elaborate enough to convey the setting, but minimal enough to work as multiple locations, sometimes simultaneously. The projection, lighting and sound design is extremely effective, especially during the latter part of the show, both in scenes set in Ukraine and evoking fireworks over Niagara Falls. The sound (Aaron Macri), lighting (Production Design by Daniela Masellis), projection (Amelia Scott), direction (Lianna Makuch), and acting comes together to create a surprising range of emotions throughout the play.

It is easy to see why this show continues to captivate audiences all over the country; don't miss your chance to see it in Ottawa in the intimate setting of the Azrieli Studio. A Punctuate! Theatre Production presented by NAC English Theatre, First Métis Man of Odesa is on stage at the National Arts Centre through September 28th. Click here for more information or click the link below to buy tickets.

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