OYK’s Day of Mead and Melodies

By Halia Wawryshyn

On May 10, a beautiful spring morning, 31 Ukrainian Women’s Organization (OYK) members and friends gathered in front of the Ukrainian National Federation Community Centre on Evans Ave. in Toronto waiting for the bus that would take the group on an excursion to Ontario’s Niagara Region.  The bus was a few minutes late, and someone remarked that maybe the driver was on “Ukrainian time.”  Still everyone was surprised when the driver, a cheerful woman called “Susanna” introduced herself and said “Ya ye Ukrainka” (I am Ukrainian).

We were soon on the highway, listening to Ukrainian music and heading to our first stop, Rosewood Estates, the winery and meadery of Eugene and Renata Roman in Beamsville, Ontario.  After greeting us warmly, Renata told us about varieties of grapes and explained how different wines are produced. Next, she gave us a tour of the production facilities, and all visitors had a chance to sample Rosewood’s red and white wines as well as mead (honey wine), and to purchase their products, including wine, honey and beeswax candles.

In good cheer, the OYK group set off for Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., home of the Shaw Festival.  There, we lunched at the Grill on King before walking over to the Festival Theatre to see a production of Ragtime, a musical based on a novel by American writer E. L. Doctorow.

According to the programme notes, the musical, adapted by Terrence McNally, with lyrics by Lynn Ahrens and music by Stephen Flaherty, got its title from the name of the music characterized by syncopated (ragged) rhythm. Ragtime music was popular in early 20th-century America, the time in which the musical is set. 

As a result, some assumed the musical would mainly showcase music and dance, but it dealt with much more than that.  This sweeping saga showed how the social change and unrest of the period affected three very different American families living in suburban New Rochelle, Harlem and New York City’s Lower East Side. It explored themes such as, social change, political injustice and racial tensions. Still, the predominant message that emerged was that the new world could offer a bright future for those who persevered.

The fast-paced story and music - sometimes very loud but often catchy and uplifting - were energizing, and the overriding conclusion of the group was that the show was well-worth seeing. 

On the way back, we stopped off to refuel at Tim Horton’s, then, upon arriving back in Toronto, sang a hearty rendition of Mnohaya Lita for the bus driver and Ulana Steck, the trip organizer.

Ulana regularly organizes outings to the Shaw and Stratford theatre festivals. Her efforts are greatly appreciated by the many OYK members who take part in the fun, educational and entertaining outings. The next trip is to see the musical 42nd Street in Stratford, Ont. on September 14.  Tickets are going fast, so if you are interested in joining us, call Ulana Steck at 905-274-2250 or email her at: usteck@rogers.com

PHOTOS

1 - Rosewood Estates' Renata Roman conducts a tour of the wine production facilities

2 - OYK Shaw Tour participants wine-tasting at Rosewood Estates