CICADAS Will Have Toronto Premiere At Tarragon Theatre
Directed by Nina Lee Aquino, the NAC English Theatre co-production plays at Tarragon's Mainspace in Toronto.
Tarragon Theatre has announced the Toronto run of cicadas, a rolling world premiere co-production with National Arts Centre English Theatre in association with fu-GEN Asian Theatre Company. The production will run May 5 through May 24, 2026 in Tarragon’s Mainspace, with an official opening on May 7.
Created by Governor General’s Award and Siminovitch Prize laureate David Yee and composer Chris Thornborrow, and directed by Nina Lee Aquino, cicadas is set in 2032 and follows a couple who purchase a home in Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods neighborhood. As they settle in, unexplained phenomena begin to emerge, including leaks with no visible source, invasive moss growth, and a persistent, unsettling buzzing.
The production integrates live orchestration and sound design with performance, creating an immersive theatrical experience that explores environmental themes and the consequences of ecological instability.
Originally developed as a radio play with music through the National Arts Centre’s Irresistible Neighbourhoods initiative, cicadas premiered in a shorter form at the NAC SPHERE Festival in 2024. The creative team expanded the piece into a full-length stage production through workshops and development for the 2025–26 season.
The cast will include Monica Dottor as Janie, Ryan Hollyman as Trim, and Ellora Patnaik as Adeline and others.
The creative team includes dramaturg Ric Knowles, climate dramaturg Vicki Stroich, set and Costume Designer Jawon Kang, lighting designer Michelle Ramsay, sound designer John Gzowski, and movement designer Monica Dottor. Stage management is by Tamara Protić, with assistant stage management by Jackie McCormick.
Live music will be performed by Amahl Arulanandam (cello), Marc Blouin (clarinet/bass clarinet), Nathan Petitpas (percussion), and Wesley Shen (piano).
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
cicadas will run May 5 through May 24, 2026 at Tarragon Theatre in Toronto, with opening night on May 7. The production follows an earlier run at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa and is scheduled to continue to the Grand Theatre in London as part of its 2026–27 season.
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