Director, Peter Pasyk
Biography
Peter Pasyk is a film and theatre director, working in Canada and Poland. Peter co-wrote one of Poland’s highest grossing feature films: Planeta Singli (Planet Single), which launched a film and TV franchise. Recently he directed the pilot of a new TV comedy series, Simon & Magda for Poland’s Polsat network. Peter’s short film Pole, was shortlisted for TIFF's Top Ten Short Films. As a theatre director Peter has worked at Canada’s top theatres including Stratford Festival, Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre and Tarragon Theatre. His career highlights include directing the critically-acclaimed world premiere of Jordan Tannahill’s Late Company; and the 2022 flagship production of Hamlet at the Stratford Festival, North America’s largest repertory theatre.
Director's Statement
This is a very personal film for me because it marries my two artistic spheres: theatre and cinema. I am a stage and screen director, and The Understudy is a peek-behind-the-curtain story of the unique theatre world I belong to. The film’s authenticity is achieved by working with a hybrid of film and theatre professionals on location at the world-renowned Stratford Festival. With this film I wanted to shine a light on the little known role of the understudy. Understudy actors have a tough gig: they must always be ready to replace an actor, but never know for certain if they will go on. This film is an ode to the unsung working people that dedicate their lives to the arts.
Meet the Cast
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