Kaitlyn Kelly, a Canadian-born writer and performer, has spent two years working and creating a life in Paris, but time and her working visa are running out. She is facing having to leave the city which has seduced and captivated her and return to home… whatever and wherever that may be.
A chance twist of fate, buried deeply within her own family history, reveals that her Ukrainian grandfather, originally born in what was then an obscure tiny Polish town might just be the key to obtaining EU citizen status, thereby guaranteeing her future to continue her life in Europe… if she can persuade the Polish authorities to grant her wishes.
This is the premise of a warm-hearted and entertaining exploration of what “belonging”, heritage and identity actually mean, especially in a world of changing borders, geo-physical restrictions and the unstable nature of war and realpolitik in changing lives and allegiances.
Kaitlyn Kelly is an amiable host and guide to her (true) story, affable and self-deprecating. After a somewhat hesitant start, she builds up a relationship with the audience, not being afraid to drop the fourth wall occasionally, and involves everyone in parts of her narrative. This is especially the case during an entertaining section which draws heavily upon her past experiences as a tour guide to the famous Parisian Catacombs.
Indeed, the parts of the show that really come alive are when she is providing information on the catacombs and where she amusingly skewers the drab tedium of a collection of extremely dull Ukrainian artefacts. Just don’t try to catch her out with lists of films and TV series that are set in Paris!
As with all shows of this ilk, there are areas that would benefit from tightening and revision. For instance, the awkward dancing sequences during the pre-recorded voice-over sequences demonstrating the frustrations of dealing with obdurate bureaucracy add nothing to the development of the narrative flow, and unnecessarily deflect attention from the points being made.
As Kaitlyn fully relaxes into her monologue during the hour, however, she becomes more confident and engaging, telling her story with a greater degree of assuredness and conviction.
The balance between comedic episodes and personal reflection is well maintained, nor does she shy away from some of the more problematic aspects of Ukrainian history, especially the accommodation with invading German forces following the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. Additionally, the current Russian-Ukrainian conflict forms an ever-present backdrop to Kelly’s exploration of her Ukrainian heritage, particularly the way this war has shaped and altered European perceptions of Ukraine.
Kelly expresses well the frustrations and difficulties inherent in coping with the sometimes Kafka-esque labyrinthine bureaucratic red tape obstructing her need to achieve a new clarity and certainty regarding her origins.
Overall, Kelly’s story is an entertaining and heartfelt examination of identity, belonging and the enduring relevance and influence of familial history. In short, what does the concept of “home” actually mean?
The shows at the Hope Theatre are a prelude to a run at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe, (11 to 16 August at 5:30 pm at the Greenside @ George Street venue), and it is hoped that, amongst the bewildering number and variety of Fringe shows, I Didn’t Know I Was Polish gets the exposure and audience numbers it deserves.
Witamy na twojej nowej Polskiej ziemi!
Review by Johnny Oxford
“In the city of light, the truth quickly comes into focus.”
Kaitlyn has spent the past two years soaking in the magic of Paris, but her time is running out. In a twist of fate, her grandfather might be the key to extending her stay. As Kaitlyn uncovers an almost-forgotten piece of her family’s history, she learns that borders and identity are not what she had imagined. Will her newfound heritage provide the answers, or is true belonging deeper than native soil?
Written and performed by: Kaitlyn Kelly
Directed by: Dominika Uçar
Sound Design by: Jovanna Backovic
Lighting Design by: Catja Hamilton
Creative Associate: Nastazja Domaradzka
Consulting Producer: Rowena Price
I DIDN’T KNOW I WAS POLISH
The Hope Theatre, 17 and 18 July 2025
Edinburgh Festival Fringe, 11 to 16 August 2025
