In alphabetical order:

• Peter Anderson (John Dean & Junior)

• Joanna Aswani (Delegate 1)

• Emily Bolyea (Sarah & Mayor 2)

• Susan Dunning (Mother)

• Derek Groulx (Tecumseh & Delegate 2)

• Valeri Kay (Chairperson & Laura)

• Roberto Marquez (Robert, American Soldier, Singer 1)

• Sofia Marquez (Sophie, Singer 2)

• Julian Nicholson (Issac Brock, Michael, TV Reporter)

• Ray Rivers (General Hull, Mayor 1, Bartender)

• Jean Rivers (Engineer)

• Andrew Rodwell (Col. James Miller)

• Nicholas Ruddick (James Hancock, British Soldier & Mayor 3)

• Mariia Zaichenko (Natasha)

Director: Ray Z. Rivers
Producer: Donald Cudmore
Co-Producer: Peter Anderson
Stage Manager: Jean Rivers
Costume Design: Pamela Marques
Sound Design, Lighting Design, and AV: Brian Morton
Visual Design: Donald Cudmore, James Paterson, Brian Morton
Assistant Director: J. R. Hewson
Assistant Stage Manager: Gwen Gilhooly

I moved to Canada in 2022 after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine. I’ve been living here for three years now. My husband has been a volunteer since 2014. When the full-scale invasion began, he joined the territorial defence forces. After the liberation of the Kyiv region, he returned home and continued his volunteer work. In 2025, he was called to serve and is now part of the Azov unit. It’s a difficult time, but I’m proud of his courage and dedication.

I heard about the audition through some friends who are involved with the Ukrainian church community. As soon as I learned more about the play, I felt a strong desire to be part of it. I went to the audition, gave it my all — and now I’m honoured to be part of this meaningful production. This play is deeply personal. It reflects the pain and resilience of people affected by the war. For me, it’s not just a script — it’s part of my lived experience. It gives voice to what so many Ukrainians are feeling, both here and back home.

I play a soldier — a woman who, after the full-scale invasion began, made the difficult decision to go and defend her country. What makes her story even more powerful is that she has a two-year-old child at home. Her husband had been living abroad and chose not to return when the war started. She’s a symbol of strength, sacrifice, and the painful choices many Ukrainians have faced — especially women.

It brings the human side of the war to life. It’s one thing to read the news, but another to feel someone’s story through theatre. It creates empathy and awareness, which is especially important when the conflict feels far away to many people here. Also, sadly, the war in Ukraine continues. This play is another important reminder to people that the war is ongoing and affects many lives every day.

In Ukraine, I performed in local theatre productions and worked on several film projects. Acting has always been a dream and a passion for me. Alongside my background in choreography and dance, bringing different characters to life gives me great joy. Here in Canada, I really appreciate the opportunities for growth, the freedom of choice, and the supportive environment that encourages personal and professional development. Living in such a diverse and welcoming country has been inspiring — the kindness of people and the respect for different cultures make it a wonderful place to call home.

It’s emotionally intense. Sometimes it’s hard to hold back tears during rehearsals. But I also feel a strong responsibility — to tell the truth, to honour those affected, and to use art to keep the story alive. This production is more than theatre — it’s a form of resistance, remembrance, and connection. For me, it’s a chance to speak for those who can’t, and to remind audiences that the war isn’t just politics or headlines. It’s people, families, futures.

Mariia Zaichenko

This is a story of passion and valour; a story of small victory and great losses, and the story of civilians turned combatants in a time of need.

In 1812 over 200 American troops crossed the international border from Fort Detroit to invade Canada. A bridge in their path near Windsor Ontario was defended only by two British soldiers - and this is their story.

Canada is not the only nation with a bullying neighbour. The history of Ukraine is a story of invasions and occupations spanning hundreds of years. Ukraine had over 16,000 bridges when the war started and they became one of the best weapons of defence for the nation under attack.

When the Russians came it became the duty of all Ukrainian men and women to fight for the freedom of their nation. They were joined in this struggle by some of the millions of diaspora living in other places around the globe, including Canada.

Their story is just another of the many that have characterized Ukraine’s struggle for survival from becoming another just Russia oblast - It’s 51st State

The Brock Collective was formed in 2020 to explore the role of General Sir Isaac Brock in Canada's history. Its first play —"Brock and Sophia"—saw the light of day in 2023. Written by Aha Blume and John R. Hewson, it examines Canada's treatment of women and its Indigenous peoples. As Canadians, we began to face up to our past. Now, two years later, the Collective's second play—"Never the 51st State" written by Ray Z. Rivers— explores the concept of empire and cultural expropriation, drawing parallels between current American musings to annex Canada as its fifty-first state and the ongoing Russian invasion of the Ukraine. The links between the two are haunting. The Brock Collective has produced its second winner. The Arts indeed foster intelligent dialogue.

By J. R. Hewson