Dancing Sky Theatre brings Ukrainian culture to life this holiday season

This Christmas season, the Dancing Sky Theatre in Meacham is bringing Christmas magic and Ukrainian culture to life through the panto play Baba’s Magic Mitten.

The storyline follows Baba, who introduces her grandchild to the idea of Ukrainian Christmas magic.

The story is based on an old Ukrainian folk tale called The Magic Mitten, which has gained popularity through different versions of it being told over the years.

Elizabeth Nepjuk, who plays Baba, used her strong Ukrainian roots to help develop the show.

She said this version doesn’t directly follow the traditional storyline, which is based on the tragedy of the commons, but presents a much lighter version of the story.

Nepjuk said any Ukrainian in the audience will recognize certain traditions such as the didukh, a Christmas wheat bouquet.

Other cultural traditions such as candles on the window sill, the braided bread kolach, and leaving a place setting at the table for departed loved ones are sprinkled throughout the play.

“Whether you’re Ukrainian or not, if you live in this province, you definitely know a Ukrainian, and you will definitely enjoy the fun we have on stage,” Nepjuk said.

Angus Ferguson, the director of the show, agreed the story is about celebrating the culture and contributions of the Ukrainian community.

Ferguson explains the collective creation came to life through the efforts of the actors and musicians who took part in writing the play and producing the music.

“It’s full of jokes, music (and) fun,” he said, adding the heart of the play is about the traditional Ukrainian customs around Christmas time.

The show runs from Friday through Dec. 17 at the Dancing Sky Theatre in Meacham.