What happens when the past calls to us, and the river of memory refuses to be ignored? Red Snow Collective presents Carried by the River (流源夢), a deeply moving and visually stunning new work by playwright Diana Tso, running from March 8 to March 23, 2025, at Tarragon Extraspace. Directed and choreographed by the innovative William Yong, this lyrical tale invites audiences on a powerful journey of self-discovery, grief, and ancestral connection.
A Story Rooted in Loss, Identity, and Resilience
At the heart of Carried by the River is Kai, a young Asian woman raised in Canada, whose life is upended when she loses her mother on her birthday. Drawn to the stories her mother once shared, Kai embarks on an emotional pilgrimage to China, where she encounters three enigmatic women who shape her path in unexpected ways. As her journey unfolds, she crosses into a mystical realm inhabited by spirit animals, guiding her toward a long-buried truth about her heritage.
This evocative production weaves together folklore, movement, and poetic storytelling, blurring the boundaries between past and present, reality and myth. Through Kai’s odyssey, the play explores themes of grief, belonging, and the enduring bond between mothers and daughters—a poignant reflection on the stories we inherit and the ones we must write for ourselves.
A Timely Premiere on International Women’s Day
Fittingly, Carried by the River opens on March 8, 2025—International Women’s Day, underscoring its profound themes of female resilience and intergenerational strength. Playwright Diana Tso, known for her deeply personal and socially resonant works, shares:
“When faced with the loss of my mother and her presence of unconditional love, I searched for ways to hold onto my roots… My stories shine a light on women and their resilience. The themes of daughters and mothers, China’s one-child policy, and their lost daughters connected with me—voices that needed to be heard.”
With its visually rich staging, emotionally charged performances, and an original score by Alice Ping Yee Ho, Carried by the River promises an immersive theatrical experience that lingers long after the final bow.
Ticket Information
Venue: Tarragon Extraspace, 30 Bridgman Ave, Toronto
Run Dates: March 8–23, 2025
Opening Night: March 11, 2025
Tickets: Available at Tarragon Theatre’s website or by phone at 416-531-1827
Pricing:
- Regular: $45
- Seniors: $35
- Students: $20
- Arts Workers: $30
- Rush Tickets: $35 (Available 3 hours before showtime)
- Opening Night: $50
- Previews: $40
- Group of 10: $39 per person
With its stirring performances, breathtaking visuals, and a story that speaks to the heart, Carried by the River is a must-see for Toronto theatregoers this season. Secure your tickets now and let the river carry you into a world of myth, memory, and transformation.
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