Producer: Ce-Lee Productions

Director and Writer: Claire Borody

Starring: Rachel E Smith, Anthony Ferens, Satara Subedar, Ben Robinson Hoppa and Zanifa Rasool 

Synopsis:

Kateryna and Havrylo are an elderly Ukrainian-Canadian couple who find themselves on unexpected fantasy adventures. What begins with ordinary rural Manitoban activities, like mushroom picking or ice fishing, quickly turns into other-worldly encounters. Using only their wits, they escape the dreaded Baba Yaga, a King Fish, Mushroom Henchmen and a Snow Queen. Comedic and adventurous, Kateryna and Havrylo delights audiences while celebrating Ukrainian heritage so prominently ingrained in Manitoba’s culture.

Production Info:

Kateryna and Havrylo returned to the stage, this time with a new scene, completing all four seasons of fantasy episodes. The production took place at The Rachel Browne Theatre from January 23-25, 2025.

It was presented as an independent production which was funded (in part) by the Shevchenko Foundation Cecil Semchyshyn Theatre Program Fund. Development of the fourth season funded by the University of Winnipeg. Generously sponsored by Mitchel’s All Season and MF Design & Wrap Experts. As well as Sigurdson Financial Group, Sopilka Ukrainian Dance School and ReYou Mindfulness.  

Leading up to this production, Kateryna and Havrylo made a special appearance as an opening act for the Spirit of Ukraine Pavilion at Folklorama 2024. The delightful duo attended an Easter blessing where audiences learned about some traditions while getting to see some of the antics in their small-town community. 

Producer: Ce-Lee Productions

Director: Rachel E Smith

Featuring: Dov the DJ and Maribeth Manalaysay Tabanera aka- Kilusan 

Cinematographer: Reisha Hancox

Camera Operator: Keeley Braunstein-Black

First Assistant Director: Bianca V.M.

Production Assistant: Alexandra Enns

Editor: Rachel E Smith

Assistant Editor: Reisha Hancox

Synopsis:

Soundtrack of the Night is a short documentary about two Winnipeg DJs, featuring Dov the DJ and Kilusan. We learn about their journeys, where they have played, their favourite gigs and what they believe to be the most important part of being a DJ. From performing at live events to online during a pandemic, these two have stuck it out through the thick and thin. Soundtrack of the Night gives the audience a glimpse into the world of DJs while offering inspiration and advice. 

Production Info:

Soundtrack of the Night was created for the “Gimme 10 in 30! Doc Challenge” as part of the “Gimme Some Truth Documentary Film Festival” in the fall of 2022. The challenge was to create a seven-minute documentary within 30 days. Additionally, this particular documentary was created without a budget. As part of the festival, the documentary was included in a public screening event along with the other challenge participants. 

Producer: Ce-Lee Productions

Director and Writer: Claire Borody

Starring: Rachel E Smith, Anthony Ferens, Satara Subedar, Ben Robinson Hoppa and Sarah Struthers 

Synopsis:

Kateryna and Havrylo are an elderly Ukrainian-Canadian couple who find themselves on unexpected fantasy adventures. What begins with ordinary rural Manitoban activities, like mushroom picking or ice fishing, quickly turns into other-worldly adventures. Using only their wits, they have to escape Mushroom Henchmen, a King Fish and the dreaded Baba Yaga. Comedic, fun and adventurous, Kateryna and Havrylo is sure to delight audiences while honouring Ukrainian heritage so prominently ingrained in Manitoba’s culture.

Production Info:

Kateryna and Havrylo premiered at the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival in July 2022. It was a comedic physical theatre production described as “a cartoon come to life.” It ran sixty minutes and featured three fantasy scenes. 

Following the Fringe Festival, the Kateryna and Havrylo team was invited to make a guest appearance at the Spirit of Ukraine Pavilion at Folklorama. The cast entertained the crowd while they waited in line and later while they waited for the official show to start. 

Producer: Ce-Lee Productions 

Director and Writer: Rachel E Smith

Music and Lyrics: Rachel E Smith

Starring: Rachel E Smith

Cinematographer: Reisha Hancox

First Assistant Director: Bianca V.M.

Boom Operator: Boma Cookey-Gam

Editor: Reisha Hancox

Consultant: Matthew Mwaura 

Synopsis: 

On the way to following her dreams, an aspiring musician finds herself living on the streets in a strange city. Stranded and hopeless she accepts her fate. Forever changed by her circumstances, April shares how she learned to survive through storytelling, music and satire. 

Production Info:

On My Way to Nashville was inspired by real stories and accounts and was part of a larger project in development for two years. It was initially planned as a full-length solo theatrical production, but due to the pandemic, it was developed into a short digital performance for the Winnipeg Digital Fringe Festival in July 2021.