First Métis Man of Odesa - by Matthew MacKenzie & Mariya Khomutova (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Matt and Masha hit it off during a theatre research trip in Ukraine. At first they seem like opposites: Masha loves the sea, Matt loves mountains. Masha is Ukrainian, Matt is Métis. But the passionate spark ignited between them cannot be denied. Despite the improbabilities of a cross-continental relationship, a few fairy-tale visits overseas solidifies their bond. But when it seems distance could be the only obstacle in their path, a series of extreme circumstances put their commitment to the ultimate test.

Based on actual events, First Métis Man of Odesa is the extraordinary true story of a whirlwind romance that withstands a global pandemic, a surprise pregnancy, and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Transcending the usual tropes of documentary theatre, this heartwarming how-we-got-together tale turns art of the here and now into a catalyst for action and a hopeful ode for a better future.

About the Author

A citizen of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Matthew MacKenzie is a multi-award-winning playwright from amiskwacîwâskahikan (Edmonton). Artistic Director of Punctuate! Theatre, Matthew is the founder and an artistic associate with Pyretic Productions and Canadian Liaison of the Liberian Dance Troupe. Matthew has had nearly a dozen of his works produced across Turtle Island.

Ukrainian actor and playwright Mariya Khomutova started her theatre studies in Odesa at the age of twelve. She graduated from the Kyiv National Theatre University in 2012 and worked in two repertoire theatres in Kyiv. Her play First Métis Man Of Odesa, which she co-wrote and performed with her husband Matthew MacKenzie, received three 2023 Dora Mavor Moore Awards, and brought her an Outstanding Performance nomination. After February 24, 2022, Mariya concentrates her theatre work around promoting contemporary Ukrainian playwrights' voices to the world theatre community.