'Made in Odessa': irony, nostalgia and legendary Odessa humor performed by Oleg Filimonov and Yan Levinson
No one will argue that Odessa is a city where humor, subtle irony and life wisdom are intertwined into a unique style of communication. “Made in Odessa” is a performance that, embodying this special spirit, collects full houses in different parts of the world. On the eve of American tour We talked to its main characters - Oleg Filimonov and Yan Levinson.
Photo courtesy of the tour organizers
The American tour of "Made in Odessa" promises to be the event of the year for all fans of Odessa humor and theatrical art. Oleg Filimonov and Yan Levinson are already preparing to meet the public and are confident that this performance will find a response from viewers of any age. Write down the dates and buy tickets:
- 15 March - Philadelphia;
- 16 March - New York;
- 20 March - Miami;
- 22 March - Chicago;
- 23 March - Бостон.
About the performance that makes you laugh and cry
The premiere of "Made in Odessa" took place in 2019, and since then the play continues to collect enthusiastic reviews from viewers. This is the story of two friends who, despite years of living abroad, bring their daughters to give birth in Odessa so that their future grandchildren will be real Odessans. Two worlds meet in one yard - Israel and America, but they are united by Odessa, which is impossible to forget.
The author of the play is Alexander Tarasul. His creation conveys the character of Odessa with amazing precision: lively, warm, full of humor and nostalgia. The performance lasts 1 hour and 40 minutes without an intermission, but the emotions in it are for a lifetime. Laughter, joy, sadness, memories and, of course, the signature Odessa humor - a real kaleidoscope of experiences awaits the audience.
Why this performance will be interesting not only to Odessans
Oleg Filimonov and Yan Levinson are sure: "Made in Odessa" is not just a play about a city by the Black Sea. It is a story about roots, about the connection between generations, about freedom of expression, about those difficult but good times when everyone knew their neighbors in the yard, and life seemed simpler and more fun.
The performance is filled with Odessa anecdotes, subtle jokes, and vivid dialogues that make the audience laugh and remember the best moments of their lives at the same time.
“Odessa is not geography, it is a state of mind, and Jan and I want to convey this state to our American audience.”, — says Oleg Filimonov.
"This is more than just a comedy. This is a play about you and me. About people who, no matter where they go, will always be Odessans at heart," — Jan Levinson echoes him.
On the subject: Odessa humor on the American stage: Yan Levinson and Oleg Filimonov will perform in the USA with the play 'Made in Odessa'
About life, humor and war
Oleg and Yan, you are true masters of humor. Epochs change, trends and perceptions transform with them, but what is real, quality humor for you? And is it possible to single out a separate category — “Odessa humor”?
Oleg: Time, of course, changes tastes, but I have never taken humor below the belt. For me, good humor is based on wordplay, on irony, on what makes you think and smile at the same time. And Odessa humor is, in fact, a way of life. It is in the very atmosphere of the city, in its streets, markets, conversations. As Zhvanetsky said: "Open the window and write it down". For example, just the other day a friend told me about a dialogue he heard at Privoz.
An elderly woman is choosing fish while a fresh catch is being unloaded nearby. She asks the seller:"Young man, is the fish fresh?" He replies: ""Alive!" And then she brilliantly retorts: “Well, I'm alive too, but not fresh."
This is Odessa - its air is filled with sparkling humor that is born from life itself.
Yang: Everyone has their own preferences in humor, and what one person finds witty, another may not find funny at all. But in what exists Odessa humor, I have no doubt. As well as Odessa language — this is when they think in Yiddish and speak in Russian. And real humor, like a diamond, should have many facets — so that each one touches in its own way, evoking not only laughter, but also warm emotions, nostalgia, joy, sometimes even tears.
Oleg, you live in Ukraine, where the war has been going on for three years. Jan, you live in Israel, which is, one might say, always in a state of either war or preparation for it. How do you think the military events have affected people?
Oleg: Odessa has always been a city far from politics. It is a port city, open to the whole world, and it has always been famous for its freedom. But the war changed a lot. People became more united, kinder, more responsive. Now everyone tries to help - each other, the front, the country. But the most amazing thing is that even in such difficult times the "Musical Comedy" theater is full. This means that humor, culture, art remain the very light that helps to survive the darkest days.
Yang: Any war ends with negotiations, but the lost people can no longer be brought back. This is the worst thing. I would like people to joke more than fight. But the reality is different for now. I wholeheartedly support Ukraine, its people, its president Volodymyr Zelensky. And if there is an opportunity to help those who find themselves in this terrible situation, I always try to do at least something.
Photo courtesy of the tour organizers
Odessa Blitz
Bazaar or theatre – where is there more drama?
Oleg: at the farmer's market
Ian: in the theatre, at Privoz any drama can be solved for money
Three things that can always be found in an Odessa apartment?
Oleg: a little dust, a man who doesn't know how he got there, and a lot of humor.
Ian: a refrigerator, cash, and if you're lucky, an Odessa mother.
Odessa mother-in-law – a myth or a superhero?
Oleg: terrible reality
Ian: superhero
Your favorite place in Odessa, where do you always return?
Oleg: stroll by the sea. Especially along Otradnaya Street.
Ian: Shevchenko Park, Palais Royal Square and at the table with friends.
Where in Odessa do they give the wisest advice?
Oleg: in the synagogue
Ian: The best advice is given by loved ones
What will you choose - Odessa forshmak or American burger?
Oleg: Odessa forshmak, black Borodinsky bread and maybe 100 grams of American vodka...
Ian: Odessa forshmak, but even better are cherry dumplings!
Where is it more dangerous - in the Bronx or in Moldavanka?
Oleg: Moldavanka is more dangerous, Bronx is cooler.
Ian: it's dangerous to walk there and there
What song do you always hum when you think about Odessa?
Oleg: Leonid Utesov "Odessa Port"
Ian: Leonid Utesov “By the Black Sea”
Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of real Odessa! Performance "Made in Odessa" — this is not just a theatrical performance, but an unforgettable meeting with the unique Odessa spirit that lives in each of us!
The interview was conducted by Olga Garichkina.
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