At the Staircase in August: Never the 51st State

By Pepper Parr

June 1^st, 2025

BURLINGTON, ON

Ray River, our contributing editor, has been writing for the Gazette for more than ten years.

A postgraduate economist, an ardent environmentalist Ray is also a playwright.

He is currently working on a new two-act play which will open August 21st for a two week run in Hamilton at the Staircase Theatre – folks have been asking for information The  LINK for ticket information.

Ray is both directing and performing in the play he wrote: “Never the 51^st State.

“The play is an inspiring story of love and valor — of generations defending the freedom of Canada and Ukraine — confronting the dangers of sleeping next to an awakening elephant and a hungry bear”.

The leading female actor came to Canada in the wake of the 2022 Russian invasion of her homeland.  Her husband is currently fighting in the army over there.

The play runs for about two hours; there is an intermission with a Q&A period at the end.

The Staircase Theatre is an intimate venue which seats just over 60 guests – so an advanced booking is highly recommended.  This link below will take you to the Eventbrite ticket site where you can find out more and purchase an advance ticket.

The is a strong Ukrainian streak in Ray’s cultural DNA.