Pyretic Productions

Pyretic Productions is an Edmonton-based, nationally minded independent theatre company dedicated to presenting boundary-pushing contemporary theatre. The company’s work raises awareness of political and social issues that affect local communities. Pyretic seeks to actively engage diverse audiences and is committed to thorough research and investigation as a means to authentically inspire and develop their projects.

Our model is to research, develop, and premiere exciting, contemporary, alternative new Canadian works by local playwrights.

(L-R) Lianna Makuch, Patrick Lundeen, Matthew MacKenzie. Pyretic Productions. Photo by Sergy Gavryshkevych

Pyretic Productions has produced critically acclaimed, award-winning new work locally, nationally and internationally including in Edmonton, Toronto (Summerworks, Next Stage, Company Blonde), Canmore (artsPlace), Lethbridge (New West Theatre), Summerland BC (Ryga Arts Festival), Kyiv Ukraine (Wild Theatre), New York City (United Solo Festival).

The under the leadership of co-Artistic Directors and Producers Lianna Makuch and Patrick Lundeen, with Matthew MacKenzie as the founder and an Artistic Associate. Company members have travelled several times throughout Ukraine to research and develop our productions Barvinok and Alina by Lianna Makuch. The company was the first Canadian artists-in-residence at the IZOLYATSIA Cultural Platform in Kyiv, Ukraine in February 2020.

HISTORY

*Company members Patrick Lundeen, Lianna Makuch, and Matthew MaKenzie in Slovyansk, Ukraine.*

Pyretic Productions began as an independent producing entity by Matthew MaKenzie and Patrick Lundeen, both graduates of the National Theatre School of Canada (2009). The company’s roots were planted at the Edmonton Fringe Festival with the show The Particlars by Matthew MacKenzie, directed by Patrick Lundeen. The play was a great success, and was held over as one of the top picks of the Fringe Festival.

Pyretic Productions continued to produce critically acclaimed, award-winning work nationally and internationally. Toronto productions have included Sia by Matthew MacKenzie, The Particulars & In General by Matthew MacKenzie (Summerworks, 2011), Sudden Death by Charlotte Corbeil-Coleman (Next Stage Festival 2013) and The Other by Matthew MacKenzie (with Company Blonde Dance Projects, 2016).

In 2013 Matthew secured a spot in the Fringe Theatre Adventures Performance Series, and reconnected with Patrick back in Edmonton. Impressed by her ability to produce and promote her projects, the two invited Lianna Makuch to join the company for the project as an additional Artistic Producer. The three then moved on to run jointly run the company and produce together.

Alberta presentations include Sia by Matthew MacKenzie (2013), The Particulars by Matthew MacKenzie (Edmonton Fringe 2008, 2013), Bears* by Matthew MacKenzie (2015), The Other* by Matthew MacKenzie (2016), Barvinok* by Lianna Makuch (2018, 2019. 2022), Michael Mysterious by Geoffrey Simon Brown (2021), and Alina* (2022).

*Sterling Awards and/or nominations