Hate literature?

This is regarding Amy Barratt’s review of the play Katheryna’s Dreams [“Insane in the Ukraine,” 7 March]. The article was insulting and condescending, perhaps saying more about the critic than the play—prejudice is blinding. It colours perception and comprehension, both of which were sadly lacking here. As it is not “the Canada,” nor is it “the Ukraine.” What comes through is that the critic did not know what was going on and did not care to find out.

While a great play it may not be, the emotional outburst parading as a review clearly demonstrates the writer was not up to the task at hand. There is a difference between an honest critique and denigrating, biased remarks. Ms. Barratt’s review takes its rightful place as hate literature.

—V. Walter Halchuk, Sudbury

I am writing to protest Amy Barratt’s scurrilous review of Katheryna’s Dreams. I hesitate even to call it a review—hatchet job is more like it. After quoting two paragraphs from the press kit, Ms. Barratt is stumped for something to say. Her opening line is: “What more can I add?” She then proceeds to wield such coarse turns of phrase as “pissy.”
The whole tone of her article is disrespectful and biased. It clearly stems from her utter disbelief that she’s actually in a theatre watching a performance conducted almost exclusively in Ukrainian (“Humorous? Fun? You betcha!”). And what, may I ask, is wrong with such a performance? Nothing, of course, unless you happen to think that all things Ukrainian deserve to be ridiculed, as, it seems, does your theatre critic soi-disant.

Ms. Barratt was clearly not up to the task of writing a review that would do justice to a poetic theatre production that enchanted many non-Ukrainians who were in the audience.

I am certain that if this play were in Yiddish and taking place in the Saidye Bronfman Centre, or one performed exclusively by black actors speaking Yoruba, Ms. Barratt wouldn’t dare make the revolting and asinine remarks that generously pepper her review of Katheryna’s Dreams. For she would be censored for her denigrating and racist comments.

Ms. Barratt writes that director Gregory Hlady is “pining for his homeland.” That may be so. Why, then, the accusation of Ukrainian nationalism? Plays set in Ireland and peopled by Irishmen are frequently staged in North America, and no one says a word about “Irish nationalism.”
Had Ms. Barratt done a little prior research or talked briefly with the director, she could have avoided trumpeting her glib ignorance far and wide.

—Marta D. Olynyk

They didn’t start the fire

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all those who came out to the We Didn’t Start the Fire benefit on March 6 at Bobards (in support of those who lost their homes and were not eligible for financial aid, “Not poor enough,” Feb. 28).

The event was a great success because so many came out to show their support. It was truly touching and helped us put some closure on the whole ordeal. It’s reassuring to know how quickly people come out to lend a hand whether in performing, giving a space for free on short notice or offering donations (furniture and clothing). Montreal is truly a great place.
A big thank you to those who donated their time and fan base in performing: Janet Apple Red, Iz Cox, Annabel Chovostek, Thomas Hellman and Jordi Rosen as well as DJs Luv and Cheeba Cheeba Kid. Also big thank-yous to Gordon Hashimoto who couldn’t make it because of illness as well as Jake Brown and Ecclestone who both offered to perform. Please support these people! Thanks also to Omar, Saïd and the great staff at Bobards for being so helpful and accommodating. Finally, a huge thank you to Dan Seligman who hooked me up with most of the acts and set me up with press contacts.

It was a great show and, incidentally, we raised $1,333 to split between the eight of us who lived in the building that burned down.

—James Dufault