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. - The play is based on the actual events of how the two playwrights, Matthew and Mariya, got together. After a year of correspondence, they travel to each other's countries, but after only their second visit together, they are thrust into the global pandemic, with Mariya subsequently learning she is pregnant. - The play sheds light on the impact the war in Ukraine has had on families globally. - The name of the play, First Métis Man of Odesa, is referring to Matthew and Mariya's newborn son. It's a hopeful way of imagining that one day their child will be able to travel to Ukraine after the conflict ends. - Has toured to over eight Canadian cities and counting, with thousands attending. Matt and Masha hit it off during a theatre research trip in Ukraine. 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 to their budding romance, a global pandemic, a surprise pregnancy, and a war in Ukraine put their commitment to the ultimate test. A war romance for our times, First Métis Man of Odesa will sweep you off your feet and make you hopeful for a better future. "A star-crossed, windswept, war-torn romcom that waltzes back and forth across the threshold that separates dreams from nightmares." "Many of the best tales in the show are so deeply improbable, or so straightforwardly honest, that the plot lines could never have held up as fiction; but as the true stories they are, they triumph." "For all its full-blown drama, First Métis Man of Odesa retains a dreamy charm without ever letting go of the truth."

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