A TRUE LOVE STORY IN THE FACE OF PANDEMIC AND INVASION 
 
Award-winning First Métis Man of Odesa makes its much-anticipated arrival at the NAC

“First Métis Man of Odesa is a timely, intimate love story. The whole thing is beautifully, unabashedly theatrical.”  - Julia Peterson, Saskatoon Star Phoenix 

September 10, 2024 – OTTAWA (Canada). NAC English Theatre is proud to present the critically acclaimed First Métis Man of Odesa. After touring and captivating audiences in several cities nationwide, this deeply moving love story steps onto the Azrieli Studio from September 18 – 28. 

Following a serendipitous encounter in Kyiv, an unexpected flirtation blossoms between a Métis playwright and a Ukrainian actress. Undeterred by the challenges of long distance, their love soon flourishes in a fervent romance spanning oceans and continents, from the scenic beaches of the Black Sea to the tranquil banks of the North Saskatchewan River. As they navigate the onset of a global pandemic and the eruption of war, their journey encompasses profound changes with marriage, the birth of their son, and the adventures of new parenthood. 

First Métis Man of Odesa tells the real-life love story of award-winning Métis playwright Matthew MacKenzie and acclaimed Ukrainian actress Mariya Khomutova. Together, they weave the story of their Covid courtship with the personal impact of the war in Ukraine. Their enchanting narrative captures the unbreakable bonds formed in crisis and the transcendent resilience of love.  

Winner of three Dora Mavor Moore Awards including Outstanding Production, Outstanding New Work, and Outstanding Direction, this hugely popular production is a must-see for Ottawa audiences.  
 
FIRST METIS MAN OF ODESA – SEPTEMBER 18 – 28 AZRIELI STUDIO  
 
An NAC English Theatre presentation of the Punctuate! Theatre Production  
 
Written and Performed by Matthew MacKenzie and Mariya Khomutova; Directed by Lianna Makuch; Production Designer Daniela Masellis; Projection Designer Amelia Scott; Composer Daraba; Sound Designer Aaron Macri; Design Consultant & Scenic Artist Dawn Marie Marchand; Choreographer Krista Lin; Dramaturg Matt McGeachy; Beadwork Maria Nelson & Krista Leddy; Stage Manager Amy Height; Production Manager & Technical Director Trent Crosby; Associate Designer Cameron Fraser; Producer Andy Cohen; Producer Sheiny Satanove; Associate Producer Alyson Dicey.  
 
PERFORMANCE AND TICKET INFORMATION  

For more information and showtimes, please visit: https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/35931 ;   
 
THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS    
 
The National Arts Centre Foundation would like to thank the Official Hotel Partner Ottawa Embassy Hotel & Suites. Special thank you to the Dr. Kanta Marwah Endowment for English Theatre.    
 
ABOUT THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE     
 
The National Arts Centre is Canada’s bilingual, multi-disciplinary home for the performing arts. The NAC presents, creates, produces, and co-produces performing arts programming in various streams — the NAC Orchestra, Dance, English Theatre, French Theatre, Indigenous Theatre, and Popular Music and Variety — and nurtures the next generation of audiences and artists from across Canada. The NAC is located in the National Capital Region on the unceded territory of the Anishinabe Algonquin Nation.