Review: FIRST METIS MAN OF ODESA at National Arts Centre

Matthew MacKenzie and Mariya Khomutova in First Métis Man of Odesa - photo by Dahlia Katz.

A whirlwind romance during impossible times results in a story that is both heartwarming and inspiring. See this award-winning show at the NAC through September 28th.

Source: Broadway World

Author of the Article: Courtney Castelino

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.