Dramatist lauded as 'brazen' to debut play at the Staircase Theatre on Thursday evening
In the heart of Hamilton, the Classical Theatre Company is set to open its latest production, "Never the 51st State," a drama and love story that brings the human side of the war in Ukraine to life for Canadians. The play, written and directed by Ray Rivers, will be staged at the Staircase Theatre from Thursday and runs through to August 30th.
The production features a strong cast of community theatre players, including Valerie Kay, Julian Nicholson, Emily Bolyea, Nicholas Ruddick, and Mariia Zaichenko. Zaichenko, a Ukrainian citizen living in Canada, plays a significant role in the play, portraying a soldier who made the difficult decision to defend her country. Interestingly, Zaichenko's husband is serving in the Ukrainian armed forces.
The play is a cautionary tale about a smaller nation defending itself from the aggression of a larger neighbor, a theme that resonates deeply with the overriding theme of Act 2, which focuses on the current American tariff aggression and the state of Canadian-American relations today.
The first act of the play is set during the War of 1812 and follows two soldiers who defend a bridge from American occupation. Peter Anderson plays one of these soldiers, named John Dean. John Dean's character evolves from being a gritty, sniveling, ruthless fighter to someone compassionate and caring.
Act 2 of the play takes a sudden leap to the war between Russia and Ukraine and shows how these two stories dovetail significantly. The play has been adapted from an original title of "Bridges to Nationhood" to emphasize its cautionary nature.
The play is directed by its playwright, Ray Rivers, and uses video projections to create its world. Ticket sales are being handled by Eventbrite. The role of Mariia Zaichenko in the play was played by actress Sophia D'Agostino in the initial run.
"Never the 51st State" is a must-see for anyone interested in thought-provoking theatre that tackles contemporary issues. It serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up for one's nation and the dangers of getting too close to an expansionist neighbor. Don't miss out on this compelling production!
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