Calgary Ukrainian language theatre to host fundraiser to raise funds for Kharkiv arts organization

Anna Lupeko and Snizhana Gukasian-Korobeinkova, two Ukrainian artists who emigrated to Calgary in April 2023 and launched a new Ukrainian theatre company in the city called STRUM are hosting a fundraising concert Feb. 28 at the West Village Theatre to raise funds for a Kharkiv, Ukraine, arts company. (Photo courtesy STRUM UA Theatre)

Calgary’s first Ukrainian-language theatre company is hosting a fundraiser to help raise funds for a group of fellow artists in Kharkiv.

On Feb. 28, at the West Village Theatre, Strum UA Theatre will present a showcase featuring Ukrainian dance, poetry, opera, folk music and performances by a company of Ukrainian actors.

There will also be an auction.

The event is called “In the Heart, I Hold What Never Fades,” which is taken from a poem by Ukrainian writer Lesia Ukraina.

“What we hold in our hearts can be something different for everyone,” says Snizhana Gukasian-Korobeinikova, artistic director of Strum UA Theatre and organizer of the concert.

“For some, it’s family, for others it’s art, hope or even love that pushes us forward and keeps us from giving up. This phrase represents the strength and resilience that we carry within, no matter the circumstances, and is especially meaningful as we continue our efforts to support Ukraine.”

Puppet defence

All proceeds from the event go to support the Hub-Lob Puppet Defence, a Kharkiv-based volunteer organization founded by the actors and staff of the Kharkiv Puppet Theatre – the organization provides support to Ukraine’s hospitals and vulnerable citizens.

“We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from Calgary and across Canada. It is with their encouragement and generosity that we were able to form Strum UA,” said Strum UA Theatre managing director Anna Lupeko,in a media release.

“We want to show you how grateful we are and what we are able to achieve because of your support. We are so thankful to create and share art in Calgary while connecting with both the local Ukrainian and Canadian communities. But this connection with our colleagues in Ukraine is also important to us, and we want to support them during these challenging times.”

June production planned

The company is currently planning a new production, said Gukasian-Korobeinikova.

“I am very excited to announce that we are currently working on the upcoming show ‘Lost and Found,’ which is a multicultural project,” she said. “The story will delve into the emotional and psychological struggles faced by newcomers in Canada.

“Through the lens of Kateryna, a Ukrainian immigrant and other characters, the play will highlight the universal challenges of settling into a new home, language barriers, cultural differences, and the healing power of human connection. Despite the complexity and depth of the theme, it will be a light comedy with subtle humor.

“The play ‘Lost and Found’ was written exclusively for Strum Theatre by playwright Laura Cutler, under our direction. The Ukrainian monologues, which reflect the experience of fleeing the war, were written from my personal experience and the experience of Anna, making this performance incredibly sensitive and profound.”

Lost and Found will debut at the West Village Theatre June 5.

3 years of war

Managing director Lupeko said the mood of Calgary’s Ukrainian community on the eve of the third anniversary of the Russian invasion, was a range of feelings.

“I feel incredibly frustrated by recent events in the world, especially realizing that the war has now entered its fourth year,” she said. “Ukrainians have experienced a whole spectrum of emotions—shock, sadness, anger.

“But recently, I’ve noticed how the Ukrainian community has come together, organizing various charity and cultural events, particularly in Canada, home to the largest Ukrainian diaspora,” she added.

“United,” she added, “we still have the power to help each other, and we continue to hold onto hope that Ukraine will be free and no longer under the weight of this terrible war.”

Tickets to Friday’s fundraiser are $35, or $100 for a table, which includes wine, cheese, meat appetizers and snacks. You can find them here.