Love spreads across cultures and borders. That is the message of the play, First Metis Man of Odessa, the latest production that Talk Is Free Theatre is bringing to the community . The show is co-created by Metis playwright Mathew MacKenzie, a praire cree Metis and his Ukrainian wife Mariya Khomutova. The play is based on the true story of their love that crosses borders during the pandemic and the Russian invasion of the Ukraine. The play helps to unpack its topical issues by using comedy. The play is the winner of three Dora Mavor Moore Awards, including Outstanding Production, Outstanding New Work and Outstanding Direction.

Seeing as the play takes place during the pandemic, we though it would be fitting to discuss how Talk is Free Theatre has been fairing as they recover from the global pandemic. Artistic director of TIFT, Michael Torontow, says the theatre has managed to stay alive and is a vital part of bringing diverse stories such as this one to the community. They are committed to showcasing Indigenous stories as their part in Truth and Reconciliation.

With Toronto over 70km away, Talk Is Free Theatre is a vital part of the theatre community in Barrie, not only for local performers, but for audiences who crave live shows. One of those audiences are the local Metis community who are excited to see themselves represented on stage. The Barrie South Simcoe Metis Council will be in attendance at the opening night of the play to help start off the shows two week run in a good way.

The show runs from February 22 to March 2 at the Five Points Theatre in downtown Barrie.