cicadas

A House With a Memory

Toronto’s real estate market has long felt like a horror story, but in the world of *cicadas*, the terror is literal. Set in a near-future 2032, the play follows Trim and Janie—a couple navigating the familiar, soul-crushing hunt for a home in Trinity Bellwoods. But when they encounter a property that seems to be breathing, leaking, and buzzing with the rhythmic, hypnotic drone of thousands of insects, the dream of homeownership curdles into something far more primal.

This isn’t just a ghost story; it’s an eco-thriller that digs into the literal and metaphorical soil of our city. With a script penned by the formidable David Yee—a Governor General’s Award winner known for his sharp, socially conscious narratives—and a soundscape crafted by composer Chris Thornborrow, the production promises to be as sonically immersive as it is narrative-driven. Thornborrow, whose work often blurs the lines between classical composition and experimental sound design, is the perfect partner to bring the maddening, persistent hum of the cicada to life.

The Powerhouse Behind the Curtain

The production is a massive collaboration between the Tarragon Theatre, the National Arts Centre, and fu-GEN Asian Theatre Company. If you’ve followed the Toronto theatre scene, you know that any project involving Nina Lee Aquino is an automatic 'must-see.' As the director, Aquino brings a track record of championing new Canadian voices and staging high-stakes, emotionally resonant work. Her ability to balance the intimate, claustrophobic tension of a domestic thriller with the broader, sweeping themes of environmental decay and historical erasure is exactly what this script demands.

By partnering with fu-GEN, the production ensures that the cultural and historical weight of the story is handled with nuance. *cicadas* isn't just about a house; it’s about what we bury in our pursuit of progress and the inevitable, noisy return of the past.

Why It Matters

We love our Toronto neighbourhoods, but we rarely stop to think about the layers of history—and trauma—that sit beneath our feet. *cicadas* uses the familiar setting of a Trinity Bellwoods home to ask uncomfortable questions about land, ownership, and the climate crisis. It’s a rare piece of theatre that manages to be both a gripping mystery and a profound warning. You’ll leave the theatre looking at the cracks in your own floorboards—and the sound of the summer wind—a little differently.

Getting There & Making a Night of It

The Tarragon Theatre is a pillar of the Annex, tucked away at 30 Bridgman Ave. It’s a short walk from Dupont Station, making it an easy trip regardless of where you’re coming from.

Since you’re in the Annex, don’t rush home immediately after the curtain falls. The area around Dupont and Bathurst has seen a massive culinary glow-up in recent years. If you’re looking for a pre-show bite, head over to *Fat Pasha* on Dupont for some of the best Middle Eastern-inspired dishes in the city—their roasted cauliflower is legendary for a reason. If you’re in the mood for something more casual, *Big Crow* offers a rustic, backyard-BBQ vibe that feels oddly appropriate for a play about the outdoors encroaching on the indoors.

Good to Know

* **Dates:** The show runs from May 5th to May 24th, 2026. Given the pedigree of the creative team, expect tickets to move quickly—book in advance. * **The Vibe:** This is an eco-thriller, so be prepared for atmospheric sound design and intense, high-tension performances. * **Accessibility:** The Tarragon has made significant strides in accessibility; check their website for specific details on barrier-free access if you have mobility requirements. * **The Neighbourhood:** The theatre is located in a quieter pocket of the Annex, which adds to the slightly eerie, isolated feeling of the neighbourhood. It’s a lovely walk, but keep an eye on the weather—May in Toronto can be unpredictable!