World Premiere
A Tarragon Theatre and NAC English Theatre Co-Production in association with fu-GEN Asian Theatre Company
Created by
Chris Thornborrow
and David Yee
Directed by
Nina Lee Aquino
Mainspace
cicadas
May 5 – 24, 2026
In 2032, while on the hunt for a new home in Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods, Trim and Janie are drawn to a very peculiar house. A flood with no leak, an ominous voice, and hordes of cicadas are only three of the many strange things seeping up through the old floorboards. Could a strangely luminous painting unlock long-hidden secrets of what lies beneath the home?
Howling winds, storms, and the ever-present sound of cicadas remind us that nothing stays buried.
cicadas is a modern eco-thriller from the minds of Governor General’s Award and Siminovitch Prize laureate David Yee and award-winning composer Chris Thornborrow that serves as both mystery and warning.
cicadas runs approximately 2hrs and 20 mins including intermission.
This production contains the following: flashing lights, vaping, an e-cigarette, low lying fog, haze, burning Palo Santo (incense).
Click Here to Reveal the Audience Advisory
Foul language, smoking, references to sex, pregnancy & birth, death & grief, implication of suicide.
Monica Dottor
Janie
Ryan Hollyman
Trim
Ellora Patnaik
Adeline and others
Amahl Arulanandam
Cello
Marc Blouin
Clarinet/Bass Clarinet
Nathan Petitpas
Percussion
Wesley Shen
Piano
David Yee
Creator
Chris Thornborrow
Creator
Nina Lee Aquino
Director
Ric Knowles
Dramaturg
Vicki Stroich
Climate Dramaturg
Jawon Kang
Set & Costume Designer
Michelle Ramsay
Lighting Designer
John Gzowski
Sound Designer
Monica Dottor
Movement Designer
Jeff Ho
fu-Gen Creation Mentee
MinGyeong Lee
Assistant Set & Costume Designer
Tushar Dalvi
Associate Lighting Designer
Julian Smith
Assistant Sound Designer
Tamara Protić
Stage Manager
Jackie McCormick
Assistant Stage Manager
Production Photos
Photos by Dahlia Katz. Click to view full images.