The Shevchenko Foundation (TSF) is profoundly saddened by the death in Winnipeg on April 10, 2023, of composer, writer, theatre and film producer, and long-time friend of the Foundation Danny Schur.
Danny was a multi-talented creative artist who loved his Ukrainian heritage, was fascinated by history, and took pride in his Manitoba roots.
He received his first grant from TSF in the mid-80s to help fund an original oratorio titled Vlad of Kiev, a tribute to St. Volodymyr the Great on the Millennium of Ukrainian Christianity. And so began a long-standing, mutually rewarding relationship.
Danny went on to produce The Bridge, a musical which celebrated the centennial of Ukrainian settlement in Canada. But his passion, perseverance, and focus for many years of his creative life were dedicated to productions that tell the story of the 1919 general strike in Winnipeg. Against all odds, Danny Schur brought the story to the stage with Strike! The Musical and to the cinema with Stand! The Movie.
In 2006, Danny Schur won the inaugural KOBZARTM Literary Award for Strike: The Musical.
He channeled his passion for hockey into another creative project – a documentary about Winnipeg native and Ukrainian Canadian goalie Terry Sawchuk – Made in Winnipeg: The Terry Sawchuk Origin Story.
Danny’s most recent project was a feature film about Canada’s First World War internment operations.
“TSF is honoured to have been a part of Danny Schur’s creative journey,” stated TSF President Boris Balan. “No project was ever too big, no idea too small. The Ukrainian Canadian story has lost one of its most inspiring and dedicated storytellers.”
TSF expresses condolences to Danny’s family and friends, and to the entire Canadian creative community on this untimely loss. May his eternal excitement, optimism, and sincerity always serve to remind us that anything is possible!
May he rest in peace! Memory Eternal! Vichnaya pamiat!
Photo: Mike Sudoma, Winnipeg Free Press
Tributes:
Man of Vision, by Alan Small Danny Schur Wpg Free Press Story_Obituary (1)
Filmmaker and playwright Danny Schur, who brought Winnipeg General Strike to stage, has died
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/danny-schur-died-obituary-filmmaker-composer-1.6806464