Counting Sheep by Lemon Bucket Orkestra
Audience participates in recreated moments from the Ukrainian revolution.
Attended at Summerworks Festival 2015
Attended at Summerworks Festival 2015
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Created by: Mark and Marichka Marczyk
Collaborating Directors: Natalia Kaliada and Nicolai Khalezin Producer: Selfconscious Productions Developed with support from: The National Arts Centre’s National Creation Fund, St. Vladimir Institute, Shevchenko Foundation, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council and the Toronto Arts Council. |
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Counting Sheep is a deeply personal retelling of the Maidan revolution in Ukraine -- an immersive Ukrainian folk-opera set to the sounds of Canada's beloved guerilla-folk party-punk band, The Lemon Bucket Orkestra. In January 2014, Mark Marczyk touched down in Kyiv and was quickly thrust into a nation on the eve of revolution -- a volatile, whirlwind of tragedy, mixed with hope and solidarity, torn apart by brutal violence. Counting Sheep is a striking, visceral exploration into the politics of revolution, beating with the heart of a people yearning for a better tomorrow. A call-to-action and affirmation of the human condition, Counting Sheep invites audiences to be part of the Revolution. The 12-member cast envelops audiences members in this historic time period, as they perform moments of revolution amongst three large screens projecting real-life news coverage and found-footage of the revolution that began in 2013.
Counting Sheep is performed using gorgeous Ukrainian polyphony choral music, and although not in English, the exuberant musical performances and vibrant visuals offer a clear view into the lived experiences of those who were involved in the Maidan, and, to an extent, any modern day political revolution. Anticipation, excitement, fear, loss, anger and the will to keep fighting -- audience members are by the Revolutionary's side, riding the wave of each emotion.
Counting Sheep is created by Lemon Bucket Orkestra leader, Mark Marczyk and his wife, Marichka Marczyk, and is inspired by their own experiences in the Maidan.
Counting Sheep is performed using gorgeous Ukrainian polyphony choral music, and although not in English, the exuberant musical performances and vibrant visuals offer a clear view into the lived experiences of those who were involved in the Maidan, and, to an extent, any modern day political revolution. Anticipation, excitement, fear, loss, anger and the will to keep fighting -- audience members are by the Revolutionary's side, riding the wave of each emotion.
Counting Sheep is created by Lemon Bucket Orkestra leader, Mark Marczyk and his wife, Marichka Marczyk, and is inspired by their own experiences in the Maidan.
Awards & Press
“In Counting Sheep, you don’t watch the action. You’re a part of it” - NOW Toronto
"Counting Sheep is a wondrous experiential work that is engaging, fun, alarming, joyous and thought-provoking. By being directly involved with the work’s unfolding narrative, audience members are forced to confront their own feelings around engagement, community and the nature of theatre itself." - The Toronto Star
Winner of the Scotsman Fringe First Award
Winner of the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression (Highly Commended)
Winner of The Summerhall Top Prize
Winner of the Dark Chat Special Award
Total Theatre (shortlist)
Carol Tambor Best of Fringe (shortlist)
TVBomb Grounbreaker (shortlist)
"Counting Sheep is a wondrous experiential work that is engaging, fun, alarming, joyous and thought-provoking. By being directly involved with the work’s unfolding narrative, audience members are forced to confront their own feelings around engagement, community and the nature of theatre itself." - The Toronto Star
Winner of the Scotsman Fringe First Award
Winner of the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression (Highly Commended)
Winner of The Summerhall Top Prize
Winner of the Dark Chat Special Award
Total Theatre (shortlist)
Carol Tambor Best of Fringe (shortlist)
TVBomb Grounbreaker (shortlist)
Presentations
- VAULT Festival in London, England 23 January-17 March 2019
- Cal Performances at UC Berkeley/Oakland 16-18 February 2018
- Stanford Live! in Stanford 7-10 February 2018
- 3LD in New York City 28 November, 5-17 December 2017
- Hull Freedom Festival in Hull, UK 30 August-3 September 2017
- Kilkenny Arts Festival in Kilkenny, Ireland 13-19 August 2017
- Ruhrfestspiele in Recklinghausen, Germany 2-6 May 2017
- Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland 4-29 August 2016
- SummerWorks Performance Festival in Toronto, 26 May-5 June 2016
- SummerWorks Performance Festival (development period and run) in Toronto ON, 15-16 August 2015
- St. Vladimir's Institute (workshop) in Toronto, ON 22 January-1 February 2015
