By Times Chronicle Staff
The Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble will be coming to Venables Theatre in Oliver this Saturday, May 25 for a unique two hour stage production that includes over one hour of original music, composed and recorded amidst the shadows of war in Ukraine.
“Dzvinka” will be performed by the highly acclaimed Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Ensemble as its 50th Anniversary Show on Saturday, May 25. Since its inception in 1973, Tryzub has stood as a beacon of artistic excellence, a symphony of spirited footwork and colourful costumes that tell the story of Ukraine’s rich heritage.
As a result of the war in Ukraine, two non-profit organizations were drawn together with the common goal of supporting Ukrainian Newcomer families.
Tryzub has brought its legacy of Ukrainian Arts and Culture experience to work together with the new Ukraine Nightingale Project to raise over $150,000 for Ukrainian Newcomers in Western Canada. With little to no overhead or administrative costs, the UNP has made a difference in the lives of families fleeing war in Ukraine seeking safe refuge in Canada.
“We are so pleased that the first performances of this 18-city tour in Western Canada will be in our area,” said UNP director Jennifer Martison.
Tryzub selected the South Okanagan because they were so warmly embraced last year noted John Stadnyk, chair, board of directors of the dance society. In February 2023, the performances of 1000 Flights Out presented in collaboration with UNP and featuring Tryzub’s youth troupe sold out quickly.
This year the adult troupe with semi-professional dancers up to the age of 50 will thrill audiences with their stunning artistic and athletic performances.
Featuring new elaborate costumes crafted in Ukraine, the mesmerizing choreography takes audiences on a riveting journey encompassing excitement, anticipation, laughter, and moments of despair.
The first half of the performances tells the story of Ukrainian folk hero, Oleksa Dovbush, who is compared to Robin Hood, through the eyes of his girlfriend, Dzvinka. Although a
love story, Dzvinka does not shy away from the age-old problem of domestic violence.
Spectacular, fast-moving traditional dances comprise the second half.
Choreographers, married couple Vitaliy Brahin and Olena Brahina, left Ukraine for Canada two years ago, seeking safety, especially for their children. Both Tryzub and UNP work to alleviate the negative impact of the war on children’s mental health.
For five decades Tryzub has preserved and promoted Ukrainian culture and more recently aided families displaced by the war. Organized two years ago, UNP assists families from war-torn Ukraine to settle in the South Okanagan.
The dancers donate their time and funds raised through ticket sales, sponsorships and in-kind donations defray the cost of travel and support the work of Tryzub and UNP.
Tickets are for the show on Saturday, May 25, 7 p.m. are $40 and available through the Venables Theatre website.
