
The Yukon Theatre for Young People will open Fiddler on the Roof by Sholem Aleichem on Thursday evening at the Yukon Arts Centre.
The board of directors called it the “beloved Broadway musical based on the story Tevye the Dairyman by Sholem Aleichem.
“We selected this show in early 2023 in part because it is a beautiful story with an incredible score, and also because it felt timely given the conflict in the Ukraine. We recognize that geopolitics have changed since the show selection was made, and gave moving forward with the production consideration after the October 7th attack which sparked the war which has led to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza,” the board said.
“But … art has a way of telling the truth. It has a unique ability to humanize history and tell stories that can help us feel less removed from circumstances we are not ourselves a part of.”
The board members said they felt it was important “to continue with our direction to tell this very human story about people experiencing oppression, violence, and displacement from their homes in our current time.
“We should all be reminded that when violence and conflicts occur, it is often the poor and the innocent people who suffer the most. That is a universal truth, and one that resonates today.”
The fiddler in the production is Kieran Cowie, a 19-year-old musician and a richly experienced violinist.
Returning to Whitehorse for the summer from his tour of the world with various classical orchestras, he said he is excited to be a part of the Yukon Theatre for Young People’s production.
Cowie said he hopes he will be able to bring a touch of classical art “to such an incredible production,” adding he is grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the production.
The show will take the stage at 7 p.m. Thursday. Shows are also set for Friday through Sunday.