Presented by VEMU Estonian Museum Canada in collaboration with the City of Toronto, this year’s program aligns with the chosen theme, “The World in the City”, highlighting the deep cultural connections that shape Toronto’s identity. Through a thoughtful and engaging lineup, the event shines a light on the shared experiences and enduring friendship between Estonian and Ukrainian communities – while warmly welcoming all Torontonians and visitors to take part.
Whether you’re a comedy enthusiast, a festival explorer, or simply curious to experience something new, this event is designed for you.
At the heart of the day is FREE Live Comedy, featuring internationally inspired performances by Olga Loitsenko (EE/CA) and Alex Kotsyk (UA/CA). Across three lively 30-minute sessions, audiences can enjoy a range of comedic styles that are as thought-provoking as they are entertaining. The schedule includes:
- 11.00 AM – “Learn Estonian with Olga”: an interactive comedy experience where Toronto comedians tackle Estonian with the hopes of making everybody laugh and learning some new vocabulary.
- 1.00 PM – “Healing with Laughter”: a panel discussion exploring how comedy can help process trauma and build resilience with special guest Alex Kotsyk, who will share the stories of Ukrainians and how his improv and stand-up lessons have helped the Ukrainian community process and live with the war trauma.
- 3.00 PM – Stand-up Comedy Set: a high-energy showcase of sharp wit, linguistic ability and cultural storytelling where Toronto comedians will show off their Estonian knowledge and comedy skills.
Olga Loitsenko is known for her inventive, genre-blending approach, combining stand-up, storytelling, and interactive performance. Her work often explores themes of identity and mental health with originality and humour, earning international recognition from festivals in Melbourne and Tallinn. Now based in Toronto, she continues to push comedic boundaries through unique concepts like Second Language Comedy, where performers incorporate unfamiliar words into their sets.
Joining her is Alex Kotsyk, a Ukrainian-Canadian comedian and founder of UCrazy Stand Up Comedy. With a dynamic stage presence and a talent for connecting with diverse audiences, Alex draws on his immigrant journey and cultural insights to deliver comedy that is both personal and widely relatable. His productions have become a vibrant part of Toronto’s live entertainment scene, known for their energy and inclusivity.
In addition to the comedy programming, visitors can explore the powerful Unissued Diplomas exhibit, which commemorates Ukrainian students whose lives were cut short by war. This moving installation provides a moment of reflection and underscores the deeper themes behind the day’s programming: resilience, remembrance, and the role of culture in bringing people together.
Whether you’re a comedy enthusiast, a festival explorer, or simply curious to experience something new, this event is designed for you. No prior connection to the Estonian or Ukrainian communities is needed – just an openness to laughter, learning, and shared human experience.
Join us on May 23 at Tartu College and discover how humour, history, and community can come together in one meaningful and memorable day.
