PRESENTING SPONSORS
SEASON SPONSOR
Nutcracker
UKRAINIAN SHUMKA DANCERS + THE VICTORIA SYMPHONY With guests from Ukraine’s Kyiv Ballet
Friday, November 29 + Saturday, November 30 • 7:00 pm Saturday, November 30 + Sunday, December 1 • 1:00 pm Running time (including intermission): 1 hour, 47 minutes The Royal Theatre is located on the traditional lands of the Lekwungen peoples, also known as the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations. We extend our appreciation for the opportunity to live, create, and perform on this territory. Creative Producer: Michael Sulyma Choreography: Viktor Lytvynov + John Pichlyk Music: Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky Additional Music Arrangements: Yuri Shevchenko and Jeremiah McDade Costume Design: Maria Levitska (National Opera of Ukraine)
For Shumka: Executive Director: Darka Tarnawsky Senior Creative Director: Les Sereda Creative Directors: Tasha Orysiuk, Paul Olijnyk Technical Director: Jeff Osterlin Production Stage Manager: Joshua Semchuk Wardrobe: Trinity Chopyk, Tanya Skitsko Head Carpenter: Trent Crosby Transportation: Vlodko Tarnawsky
A Message from Ukrainian Shumka Dancers Welcome to the elegance and enchantment of Shumka’s Nutcracker. The delightful story of young Clara, her dream prince, brave soldiers, and the meddling mice, is reimagined and proudly presented as a Ukrainian version of Tchaikovsky’s famous work. This unique blend of the grace and lyricism of classical movement with the strength and power of Ukrainian dance brings a special sense of energy and excitement to this Christmas classic. Renowned artists of the Kyiv Ballet (National Opera of Ukraine), singers in the Clara’s Dream Choir, and young dancers from Victoria’s Veselka Dance join Shumka to make up the talented cast of artists. With over 95 cast and crew united together in this artistic collaboration, true magic
comes to life on stage. Shumka’s Nutcracker has become a Christmas tradition in Edmonton and we couldn’t be happier to share this tradition in Victoria. We sincerely thank our funders, sponsors, donors and volunteers for helping make this a reality. And of course, we thank you, our audience, for making our Nutcracker part of your holiday plans. May you and yours share a Christmas season full of love, hope, and peace. Enjoy Clara’s magical journey with us today and be sure to come back to the world of Shumka again and again! — Ukrainian Shumka Dancers