Welcome to The Ukrainian Theatre in Halifax
Announcement
BIOGRAPHICAL PLAY
The Ukrainian Theatre in Halifax invites you to a unique theatrical performance dedicated to three legendary Ukrainian poets: Taras Shevchenko, Ivan Franko, and Lesya Ukrainka. Their words have shaped Ukraine’s cultural and literary heritage, resonating through generations with themes of freedom, resilience, and the human spirit.
Through a blend of drama, poetry, and visual storytelling, this production brings their voices to life, offering a powerful artistic experience that transcends time and borders. Join us as we celebrate their legacy and explore the profound impact of their works on Ukrainian identity and beyond.
📅 Date: March 9, 2025 at 4pm
📍 Location: McNally Theatre Auditorium
🎟 Tickets:
Don’t miss this inspiring journey through the poetry and history of Ukraine!
About us
Welcome to the Ukrainian Theatre of Halifax! We are a passionate community dedicated to sharing and celebrating Ukrainian culture, art, and storytelling through the timeless medium of theatre. Founded with the mission of bridging cultures, we bring vibrant Ukrainian stories, traditions, and voices to life on stage, connecting audiences in Halifax with the spirit and resilience of Ukraine.
Our theatre is a space where Ukrainian heritage meets modern artistry, embracing the beauty of our roots while exploring universal themes that resonate with everyone. We believe that theatre has the power to build understanding, inspire compassion, and foster a deep appreciation for diverse cultures. Each performance is carefully crafted to celebrate the unique elements of Ukrainian history, language, music, and folklore.
Our Mission
Our mission is to preserve and promote Ukrainian culture through theatrical arts, providing a platform for Ukrainian voices in Halifax and creating a cultural exchange between Ukraine and Canada. Through our performances, we hope to connect with audiences from all backgrounds, sharing the beauty and depth of Ukrainian storytelling and providing a glimpse into the heart of our culture.
What We Offer
• Theatrical Performances: Original and classic Ukrainian plays, translated for diverse audiences or performed in the original language with translations available.
• Workshops and Educational Programs: We offer acting workshops, cultural discussions, and more, inviting community members to engage and learn about Ukrainian traditions and art forms.
• Community Events: Join us for special events, including traditional Ukrainian celebrations, meet-and-greets with our cast, and cultural festivals.
Our Team
Our team consists of passionate, talented individuals who may be amateurs by title but bring a professional dedication to every production. United by our love for theatre and Ukrainian culture, we work collaboratively, pouring our hearts and skills into each performance. From acting to set design, every team member contributes to creating a high-quality experience, sharing our heritage with authenticity and pride.
Theatre Director
Lina Costyuk
Hello, Halifax! My name is Lina Costyuk, and I am honored to be the director of the Ukrainian Theatre here in this vibrant city. My journey in theatre has always been driven by a passion to share the beauty and resilience of Ukrainian culture, and I am thrilled to bring these stories to life for our community in Halifax. Every performance we create is a piece of our heritage, a reflection of our history, and a bridge connecting us all through shared emotions and experiences. Thank you for supporting us on this journey, and I invite you to join us at our upcoming events to experience the power of Ukrainian theatre firsthand. See you at the theatre! 🌍✨
Meet Our
Cast & Creative Team
Hello, everyone! I’m Constantin Costyuk, and I have the joy of shaping the scripts and scenes you see on stage as both a writer and producer at the Ukrainian Theatre in Halifax. Crafting performances that speak to today’s audience while staying true to our cultural roots is my passion. Every line, every act, is thoughtfully created to connect, entertain, and inspire. Join us in experiencing theatre that bridges tradition with modernity. See you at the show!
Constantyn Costyuk
Producer
Set Designer
Hi everyone! I’m Tania Kulichenko, part of the amazing Ukrainian Theatre team in Halifax! While you may not see me on stage, I’m working hard behind the scenes as a set decorator. Bringing our stories to life through stage design is a passion of mine—it’s all about creating an atmosphere that lets our audience feel fully immersed in Ukrainian culture. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share our heritage in this unique way. Thank you for your support, and I can’t wait for you to experience our upcoming performances!
Producer
Tania Kulichenko
Singer and Actress
My name is Tetiana Kashchenko is a singer and actress at the Ukrainian Theatre in Halifax. In our team, I have the honor of being one of the singers and performing various roles. My goal is not only to embody characters, but also to bring joy, warmth, and emotional resonance to people through music and theater. For me, it’s important that every performance provides an opportunity for the audience to experience emotions, find support, and feel a sense of unity. I strive to preserve and promote Ukrainian culture while embracing the values that unite us—love for the arts, belief in the power of words and song. In every performance, I aim not just to professionally perform my role, but also to share a part of my heart so that each audience member can feel connected and experience the joy of a shared moment. With extensive experience in both music and theater, I hope to bring light and hope to all who come to see our performances.
Tetiana Kashchenko
Actress
Hello, dear friends! I am Alla Subbotina, an actor who believes in the power of theater to touch hearts and inspire minds. For me, acting is not just a profession, but a way to connect deeply with people through stories, emotions, and shared experiences. I approach every role with an open heart and soul, allowing the characters I portray to live authentically on stage. Theater is a magical space where emotions can be expressed freely, and every performance is an opportunity to create something truly special. It’s my passion to bring that magic to life and share it with you. I am so grateful for every opportunity to perform, and I look forward to continuing this incredible journey with all of you. Thank you for your support, and I hope to see you at the theater soon!
Alla Subbotina
Producer
Actress
My name is Yuliia Shvetsova, and I am thrilled to make my debut in the play Chasing Two Hares at the Ukrainian Theater in Halifax. I am honored to play the role of Pronyu, a character that is both challenging and exciting to portray. Bringing Pronyu to life has been a wonderful journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share this performance with you all. The experience of working with such a talented team has been truly inspiring, and I am proud to be part of this amazing production. I hope that you will enjoy watching Pronyu on stage as much as I’ve enjoyed bringing her to life. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing you at the theater!
Yulia Shevtsova
Art Designer & Actress
From Painter to Actor: A New Journey in the Ukrainian Theatre of Halifax In 2023, my husband and I coming to Canada and in 2024 found ourselves stepping into the Ukrainian Theatre in Halifax, and it marked the beginning of an exciting journey. Initially, I joined the theater as a painter to help with the stage design for the production of *For Two Hares*, as art has always been a significant part of my life. Our first rehearsal was nothing short of inspiring. The energy was infectious, with actors radiating enthusiasm and warmth. The creative process and the vivid personalities in the theater troupe left a deep impression on us. Then, quite unexpectedly, the director offered my husband and me the chance to try acting, casting us as the parents of Pronya Prokopivna, one of the main characters. We embraced the opportunity, despite having no previous experience on stage. In that moment, I became not only part of the design team but also an actor. This new experience has brought unforgettable moments into our lives, filled with vibrant emotions and friendships within the theater community. The theater has opened up a new world for me, where I can not only create visual elements for the stage but also experience the characters firsthand. It’s a journey full of inspiration and a shared purpose with a wonderful team.
Liudmyla Romashchenko
Actor
Hello everyone My Name is Oleksandr Romashchenko I was born on July 7, 1968, in Kyiv, and it seemed my life was closely tied to practical crafts. In my youth, I worked as a carpenter-decorator in a regional theater in Ukraine, creating stage sets that brought scenes to life, though I never dreamed of acting myself. In 2023, when my wife and I moved to Halifax, Canada, I returned to carpentry, and later, together with my wife, we formed a small group to perform traditional Ukrainian Christmas carols. One day, my wife Lyudmyla, an artist by passion, found out about a Ukrainian theater group in Halifax that was working on the play For Two Hares. She decided to help with the stage decorations, and I simply accompanied her to a rehearsal, with no intention of joining the theater. However, during the rehearsal, the director asked me to try reading the role of Sirko, Pronya’s father. The friendly atmosphere of the theater troupe and my unexpected enjoyment of the process changed my plans: I agreed to take the role and became part of the theater family, discovering a new and exciting world of theatrical art. When my wife and I moved to Canada in 2023, I brought along my skills as a carpenter, looking forward to creating new opportunities in a new country. But life took an unexpected and exciting turn in 2024 when we both found ourselves involved in the Ukrainian Theatre of Halifax. At first, I was there to support my wife in her role as a painter, helping with stage design for the play For Two Hares. But soon enough, the vibrant atmosphere and the creativity of the team pulled me in further. The director surprised us with the opportunity to try acting ourselves, offering us the roles of Pronya Prokopivna’s parents. For someone used to working in the quiet of a workshop, stepping onto the stage was a completely new experience. The theatre brought a different kind of satisfaction—working alongside other passionate artists, learning to portray a character, and feeling the energy of each rehearsal. In a way, it reminded me of my work with wood: both require patience, creativity, and the ability to bring something meaningful to life. The theatre community has become a second family for us, and this experience has added another dimension to my journey in Canada. Now, I find myself balancing two worlds—one filled with the smell of sawdust and the other with the bright lights of the stage. And I couldn’t be happier.
Oleksandr Romashchenko
Actress
I’m Maryna Horobets, and I’m proud to be part of the Ukrainian Theatre in Halifax. So far, I’ve had the honor of performing in three different plays, and many may recognize me for my leading role as “Motrya” in The Kaidash Family. I’m often on stage, whether it’s acting or singing, sharing my passion for performance. The theatre has not only gifted me with wonderful friendships but also helped me explore my identity and find ways to support fellow Ukrainians, making them feel at home even when far from Ukraine.
Maryna Horobets
Actress
Greetings, My name is Valeriia Lysenko, and I am proud to be both an actress and a designer at the Ukrainian Theater in Halifax. As an actress, I bring the rich stories of our culture to life on stage, and as a designer, I help shape the theater’s visual presence. I am responsible for creating the website, banners, and brochures, ensuring that each piece reflects the spirit and vision of our theater and the vibrant Ukrainian heritage we celebrate. Through my work, both in performance and design, I aim to create a meaningful connection between the theater and our community. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, I am dedicated to sharing the power of Ukrainian storytelling and enriching the cultural landscape of Halifax. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to continuing to share our journey with you.
Valeriia Lysenko
