The Division

A Journey Triggered by a Comment Section

We’ve all seen the toxic underbelly of online comment sections, but for award-winning playwright Andrew Kushnir, one specific, biting accusation didn't just ruin his day—it dismantled his entire understanding of his own lineage. After writing a respectful, public eulogy for his grandfather, a celebrated watchmaker, Kushnir was confronted with a claim that shattered the family mythology he had been raised on. The result of that confrontation is *The Division*, a gripping, deeply personal work of documentary theatre that is finally making its way to Toronto’s Crow’s Theatre after a lauded run at New York’s Lincoln Center.

This isn't just a play about a grandfather; it’s a high-stakes detective story that spans 19,000 kilometres. Armed with nothing but a rare timepiece inherited from his ancestor, Kushnir retraces his grandfather’s path as both a soldier and an immigrant. His journey takes him through the heart of Europe and into the realities of a modern-day Ukraine, where the ghosts of the past are constantly colliding with the brutal, ongoing fallout of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The Art of Documentary Theatre

Kushnir, the artistic director of Project: Humanity, has built a career on the razor’s edge of truth and performance. He is a master of documentary theatre—a genre that eschews pure fiction to grapple with the raw, unvarnished facts of our existence. In *The Division*, he uses his signature blend of intimate storytelling and rigorous investigation to ask uncomfortable questions: How much of our identity is built on lies we tell ourselves to survive? And when history is used as a weapon, how do we begin to heal the wounds it leaves behind?

By bringing this production to the stage, Kushnir isn't just recounting a personal odyssey; he is holding up a mirror to the collective experience of the Ukrainian diaspora. It is a work that feels urgent, not just because of the geopolitical climate, but because of the universal human need to know exactly who our ancestors were—even when the answer is far more complicated than we ever dared to imagine.

The Venue: A Cultural Anchor in Leslieville

Crow’s Theatre has firmly established itself as one of the most vital cultural hubs in the city. Located in the heart of Leslieville, the theatre’s home at 345 Carlaw Avenue is more than just a performance space; it’s a beautifully designed, industrial-chic venue that has become a cornerstone of the east end’s arts scene. The intimate nature of the main stage is the perfect setting for a show as raw and vulnerable as *The Division*.

Before or after the show, you’re in one of Toronto’s best neighbourhoods for food and drink. Leslieville has a laid-back, community-focused vibe that feels a world away from the frantic pace of the downtown core. If you’re looking for a pre-show bite, the area is packed with gems. Grab a coffee or a craft beer at one of the many spots along Queen Street East, or enjoy a meal at a local favourite like the nearby Gare de l’Est for a touch of French-inspired comfort, or keep it casual with the excellent pub fare that defines this part of the city.

Good to Know

*The Division* runs from April 21 to May 10, 2026. Given the critical acclaim it received in New York, tickets are expected to move quickly.

• **Getting There**: Crow’s Theatre is located at 345 Carlaw Ave. If you’re taking public transit, the 72 Pape bus or the 501 Queen streetcar (with a short walk north) are your best bets. There is limited street parking in the area, so transit or a rideshare is highly recommended.
• **The Vibe**: This is not a lighthearted evening out. Come prepared for a heavy, thought-provoking experience that will likely stay with you long after the lights go up.
• **Post-Show**: Stick around the lobby bar at Crow’s after the performance. It’s a great space to decompress and discuss the show with fellow theatre-goers, and it’s often where the most insightful conversations about the work take place.