How to Catch Creation

There is a specific kind of magic that happens when a play doesn't just entertain you, but actively shifts the way you view your own creative potential. Christina Anderson’s *How to Catch Creation*, hitting the stage at Soulpepper Theatre this April, is exactly that kind of work. Set against the backdrop of San Francisco, the play is a sprawling, ambitious, and deeply intimate exploration of what it means to be an artist, a partner, and a person trying to carve out a legacy in a world that is often indifferent to your existence.

The Weight of History and the Spark of Creation

At its heart, the play follows four distinct characters—Griffin, Tami, Stokes, and Riley—each grappling with their own version of a creative crisis. Griffin’s journey is perhaps the most harrowing; as a man recently exonerated after a decade of wrongful imprisonment, his struggle to reclaim his voice is visceral. He isn't just trying to write; he is trying to exist again. When you contrast his search for identity with Tami, a professor whose internal fire is dimming, and the younger couple, Stokes and Riley, who are navigating the precarious balance of love and ambition, you get a beautiful, messy portrait of the human condition.

What elevates this beyond a standard drama is the presence of a ghost—or rather, the legacy of a 1960s Black queer feminist writer whose rediscovered work acts as a catalyst for the characters’ evolution. Anderson, a playwright known for her lyrical, rhythmic dialogue and her ability to weave complex social commentary into personal narratives, excels here. She forces the audience to ask: who gets to be remembered? And more importantly, how do we honour the people who paved the way for us to create?

Why Soulpepper is the Perfect Home

Soulpepper Theatre Company has long been a pillar of Toronto’s cultural scene, and their home in the Distillery District is arguably the most atmospheric venue in the city. Housed in the historic Young Centre for the Performing Arts, the space itself feels like a bridge between the past and the present—a fitting setting for a play so concerned with the passage of time and the weight of history. Soulpepper’s commitment to ensemble-driven work makes them the ideal choice for a play that relies so heavily on the chemistry and interconnectedness of its four leads.

Making a Night of It in the Distillery District

If you’re heading down to the Distillery District for this, you’re already in one of the most picturesque corners of Toronto. The cobblestone streets and Victorian-era industrial architecture are stunning, especially in the spring.

Before the show, I highly recommend grabbing a drink at El Catrin Destileria. Their patio is legendary, but the interior is just as vibrant, and their extensive tequila and mezcal list is the perfect way to loosen up before diving into a thought-provoking play. If you’re looking for something a bit more refined for dinner, Cluny Bistro & Boulangerie offers a fantastic modern French menu that feels special without being stuffy. If you prefer something more casual, grab a quick bite at Soma Chocolatemaker—because honestly, is there anything better than high-end chocolate to debrief a powerful piece of theatre?

Good to Know

*How to Catch Creation* runs from April 23 to May 17, 2026. The Distillery District can get busy on weekends, so if you’re planning on dining nearby, definitely book your reservations well in advance.

Getting there is straightforward: while parking in the district can be pricey, the area is very accessible by public transit. You can take the 504 King streetcar east and hop off at Parliament Street, then take a short walk south. If you’re driving, the parking lot on the east side of the district is your best bet, but give yourself an extra 15 minutes to navigate the cobblestones and soak in the atmosphere. This is a show that will stay with you long after the lights go down, so plan for a slow walk back to the streetcar—you’ll want the time to process what you’ve just witnessed.