March 8 – 23, 2025
Tarragon Extraspace
Red Snow Collective proudly presents Carried by the River, an original play by Diana Tso, running from March 8 to 23, 2025, at Toronto’s Tarragon Theatre. Directed by William Yong, this evocative production follows Kai, a young woman raised in Canada who embarks on a journey to China after discovering a life-altering secret about her past.
The production features a talented cast, including Shiong-En Chan, Tai Wei Foo, Brenda Kamino, Honey Pham, and Michelle Wang. The creative team comprises composer Alice Ping Yee Ho, lighting designer Andre du Toit, scenic and costume designer Ting-Huan Christine Urquhart, choreographer William Yong, stage manager Sabrina Weinstein, and production manager and technical director Barney Bayliss.
A Story Rooted in Heritage and Myth
The narrative centers
on Kai, a young Asian woman raised in Canada. On her nineteenth birthday, following her mother’s passing, Kai uncovers a life-altering secret: she was adopted. Haunted by the fables of forests and rivers her mother once shared, Kai embarks on a transformative journey to China. Along the way, she meets three enigmatic women whose lives intertwine with hers in unexpected ways and encounters mystical animal spirits—embodiments of the ancient Qigong animals—who guide her with wisdom, strength, and an enigmatic connection to her past. Through this journey, Kai navigates grief and relationships, uncovering not the family she imagined but a profound understanding of life’s deeper truths.
“Carried by the River” delves into themes of identity, heritage, and self-discovery, offering audiences a lyrical journey that intertwines myth, memory, and reality. The play addresses topics such as adoption, China’s one-child policy, the loss of a parent, and LGBTQ+ themes, providing a rich and thought-provoking theatrical experience.
Show Dates & Ticket Information
Performances take place in the Tarragon Extraspace on the following dates:
- Opening Night: March 11, 7:30 PM
- Evening Shows: March 8-23, 7:30 PM (select dates)
- Matinees: March 9, 12, 15, 16, 22, and 23, 2:00 PM
Tickets are available through the Tarragon Theatre box office.
With a compelling storyline, breathtaking visuals, and an extraordinary cast, Carried by the River promises to be a deeply moving theatrical experience. Book your tickets now and immerse yourself in this poetic journey of self-discovery.
About Red Snow Collective
Red Snow Collective creates evocative theatre blending Eastern and Western storytelling with music and movement. Since 2009, we’ve explored globally relevant themes, reinterpreting urban legends and timeless tales through women’s perspectives. Dedicated to equity, inclusion, and diversity, we amplify voices historically excluded from the canon. Our notable works—Red Snow (2012), Comfort (2016), and Monkey Queen (2018)—celebrate resilience and transformation through innovative staging and visionary direction.
