In a near-future version of Toronto’s Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood, a house turns on its inhabitants. Unsettling phenomena begin to surface: unexplained leaks, invasive moss, and a persistent, otherworldly hum. That’s the premise of cicadas, a new work from Siminovitch Prize-winning playwright David Yee and composer Chris Thornborrow, now in previews at Tarragon Theatre.
Directed by Nina Lee Aquino, artistic director of Ottawa’s National Arts Centre (NAC) English Theatre, the production leans into slow-burn suspense, pairing its domestic unease with a live, onstage orchestra.
Originally developed as a short radio play with music through the NAC’s Irresistible Neighbourhoods initiative, cicadas has since evolved into a full-length stage work through workshops and collaboration with Aquino, climate dramaturg Vicki Stroich, and dramaturg Ric Knowles. This world premiere production debuted at the NAC last month.
“[cicadas is] a homecoming of sorts in bringing back David and Nina into a production that will be shared at Tarragon Theatre in Toronto after its Ottawa run — over a decade after their seminal and award-winning creation carried away on the crest of a wave,” wrote Tarragon artistic director Mike Payette in a press release.
Following its Toronto engagement, cicadas will continue its run at London, Ontario’s Grand Theatre, in January 2027.
cicadas runs at Tarragon Theatre from now until May 24.
Tarragon Theatre is an Intermission partner. Learn more about Intermission’s partnership model here.
WRITTEN BY
Krystal Abrigo
Krystal is Intermission’s Publishing and Editorial Coordinator. A Scarborough-based writer of Philippine and Egyptian descent who enjoys reading bell hooks, Audre Lorde, and James Baldwin. At any given moment, you can probably find her at a concert, or on a long walk somewhere in Toronto (or elsewhere).
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