Bringing Ukrainian folk tales to life at Fringe

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/07/2023 (1017 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Audiences at the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival will have the chance to see three Ukrainian folk tales in action, and Steinbach actor Devon Littlejohn is key to making it happen.

Raised in Steinbach and a graduate of Steinbach Regional Secondary School, Littlejohn continues to call the community home. He said he was excited to get a role in The Blabbermouth, the Puff Monster, and the Wolf.

“I was not familiar with Ukrainian folk tales, so it was cool to read up on some of them while rehearsing,” he said.

Presented by Merlyn Productions Theatre Company, The Blabbermouth, the Puff Monster, and the Wolf has been described as “three topsy-turvy tales from Ukraine come to life in this fast-paced, family-friendly comedy for English audiences”.

Artistic Director John Chase said they’re happy to be back on stage after a three-year pause.

“Merlyn is well-known for presenting children’s classics from around the world and we’re eager to introduce English-speaking audiences to these comically-adapted traditional Ukrainian tales,” he said.

The production is geared for children ages 3-12, and the young at heart.

The ensemble cast includes 12 Manitoba actors ranging in age from 10 to seniors, a combination that Littlejohn said is “fantastic” to work with.

“We’ve got people who’ve been acting for years, all the way to this being their first time stepping on stage,” he said. “They’ve been giving it their all and it’s really showed during our last few rehearsals. I can’t say it enough, they’re all wonderfully talented individuals.”

It’s not Littlejohn’s first time at the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival. He has performed as part of Blue Horses, Peter & The Starcatcher and The Right to Breathe.

This time he’s playing multiple roles, as an onstage storyteller, the voice of Puff Monster and the wolf in Sirko & The Wolf, but he’s hard-pressed to say which is his favourite role.

“On one hand, I enjoy playing the role of villains, so the Puff Monster is right up my alley,” he said. “Overall, I’d say I enjoy the Wolf the most. He’s not necessarily evil, but still pretty devious and sly.”

“I get to do some falling and running around,” he added.

Thanks to an agreement with the playwright and Pioneer Drama Service, 100 percent of royalties paid by Merlyn Productions are being donated to the International Red Cross’ Ukraine Emergency Appeal, something Littlejohn applauds.

“I think it’s awesome that the Red Cross is helping the innocent folks being dragged into the war,” he said.

The Blabbermouth, the Puff Monster, and The Wolf plays at the Tom Hendry Warehouse at 140 Rupert Avenue for seven shows from July 20 to 29.

Tickets are available at the door or in advance at winnipegfringe.com.