Encountering Ukraine: Readings in Solidarity

War. Witness. Heroic resistance. From the early 20th century to today, Ukrainian playwrights have epitomized their fellow compatriots' distinct grit, humour and imagination through challenging and troubling times. Curated by Ukrainian-Canadian artist and activist Andrew Kushnir, this reading series of plays-in-translation represents some of the best of Ukraine's theatre and showcases how artists help define and defend the culture of a people.

Sonata Pathétique by Mykola Kulish (1930), translated by George S.N. and

Moira Luckyj (1975)

Set in the chaos between Easter 1917 and Easter 1919, Kulish’s sweeping and satirical take on love and revolution is considered by many to be the finest Ukrainian drama of the 20th century. In what may be a first in Western theatre, the play’s dramaturgy carefully mirrors a piece of classical music: Beethoven’s much-loved Piano Sonata No 8.