Tarragon Theatre is gearing up to electrify the city’s theatre scene with Craze, a bold new sci-fi thriller premiering November 19, 2024. Presented in collaboration with Modern Times Stage Company and Theatre ARTaud, the play is an audacious exploration of human identity, technology, and chaos. Co-written by Rouvan Silogix and Rafeh Mahmud, and helmed by Tarragon’s Artistic Director Mike Payette, the production combines humor, poignancy, and gut-wrenching drama to create an unforgettable experience.
A Storm on the Horizon
Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous storm, Craze begins as a seemingly mundane evening between two couples spirals into a chaotic reckoning. As the night unravels, questions about humanity, artificial intelligence, and existential conflict rise to the surface. Silogix and Mahmud describe the play as “a hurricane of ideas, moments, and emotions that crash into one another, creating a singular universe.”
With a stellar cast and design team, Craze brings together some of Toronto’s finest talent, including Augusto Bitter, Lisa Ryder, and Ali Kazmi. Set designer Christine Ting-Huan Urquhart and sound designer Maddie Bautista infuse the play’s stormy atmosphere with immersive visuals and a rich sonic universe. “It’s taken years to write the piece, but it takes a village to put on a production,” Mahmud notes.
Payette reflects on the journey of creating such a complex play:
“The characters embody one thing and all things simultaneously… Their extremities are balanced by their humanity. This balance has been a joy to uncover. We invite audiences to buckle in and ride the rollercoaster.”
The Meaning Behind the Madness
The writers were inspired by the ever-growing presence of technology in human lives. The play’s unique sci-fi lens explores pressing contemporary questions. As Silogix explains, “What does it mean to be ‘alive,’ ‘human,’ or ‘conscious’? Is our waiting world all breathing—living? This natural conflict with identity drives the narrative forward.” For Mahmud, the story also probes internal struggles: “The world may be destroying itself out there, but am I not destroying myself right in here?” He also adds a more intimate lens to the story “The world may be destroying itself out there, but am I not destroying myself right in here? It’s about how the external chaos mirrors our internal struggles.”
The team also discusses the challenges of balancing Craze’s tone:
“The line is very thin and can tip from hilarious to melodramatic,” says Payette. “It’s a line we are very conscious of and have enjoyed walking its danger.”
The Experience and the Vision
What can audiences expect from Craze? Payette paints a vivid picture:
“Imagine being in the eye of the storm—exhilarating, overwhelming, and impossible to look away from. There’s so much technology has given us and so much it has taken away. Theatre reminds us we’re not alone.”
The writers hope the audience leaves with questions lingering in their minds. Silogix elaborates:
“All we can hope to do as artists is re-ask the question in different ways. This isn’t about answers—it’s about sparking curiosity and reflection.”
Mahmud agrees, emphasizing connection amidst the chaos:
“We hope they’ll have fun and see how connected we truly are. That connection is what matters most.”
Craze will run from November 19 to December 15, 2024, at Tarragon Theatre. With its gripping premise and dynamic creative team, this is one show Toronto audiences won’t want to miss. Further information and tickets available here
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