October 10 – 13, 2024
Ticket Prices – Subsidized: $20 / Regular: $30 / Full Value: $40 / Generous: $50
Choose your price! We offer sliding scale tickets at PHT that allows you to pick the price that works for you, no questions asked! Learn more about our ticket pricing here.
The running time of this show is approximately 2 hours long plus intermission.
Performed in English with select performances in Persian (Farsi), EARWORM, a Nowadays Theatre production in association with Blackout Art Society and Presentation House Theatre, is written and directed by Mohammad Yaghoubi. Homa, a long-time immigrant from Iran who fled persecution from the Islamic regime, must negotiate the reality that her son is in love with a conservative Muslim woman. When Homa’s past catches up to her in present-day Toronto, their future happiness is threatened.
Inspired by real events, EARWORM is a stunning depiction of the far-reaching impact of the Iranian revolutions of 1979 and 2022 through themes of love, power, parenting, and political asylum.
Born and raised in Iran, Mohammad Yaghoubi is an award-winning playwright, director, screenwriter, and theatre instructor. His plays have been translated into six languages and produced all over the world. Following a decade of producing theatre in Iran, Mohammad co-founded Nowadays Theatre in Toronto in 2016, and it quickly established itself with critically acclaimed productions in English and Persian (Farsi), including Swim Team, Dance of Torn Papers, Winter of 88, Heart of a Dog, and The Only Possible Way.
Ages: 14+
A Nowadays Theatre Production
Co-Presented by Blackout Art Society and Presentation House Theatre
Written and directed by Mohammad Yaghoubi
Set Designer: Amin Shirazi
Composer: Farshad Fozooni
Sound Designer: Sina Shoaie
Dramaturge: Chris Abraham
Intimacy Director: Anisa Tejpar
Stage Manager: Shila Amin
Production Manager: Sahel Talischi
CAST
Homa – Aida Keykhaii
Pendar – Amir Maghami
Mohammad – Amir Zavosh
Fatemeh – Parya Heravi
A Nowadays Theatre Production
Co-Presented by Blackout Art Society and Presentation House Theatre
October 10 – 13, 2024
Thursday, October 10 – 7:30 PM
Friday, October 11 – 7:30 PM*
Saturday, October 12 – 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM**
Sunday, October 13 – 2:00 PM
*Friday, October 11th at 7:30 PM’s performance of EARWORM will be a Farsi-language Performance.
**Saturday, October 12th at 7:30 PM’s performance of EARWORM will be a Farsi-language Performance.
SHOW ADVISORY: Please note that EARWORM contains depictions of on stage violence, as well as discussions of islamophobia, suicide, torture, and murder. The play also engages in heavy political debate regarding the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Iranian government. If you have any accessibility needs, please reach out to our Box Office at boxoffice@phtheatre.org or 604-990-3474.
A Note on Audience Participation: Our cast may interact with you during the performance, and will ask you to vote in multiple audience polls. It is not mandatory to participate, but it is greatly appreciated.
Photo of Aida Keykhaii by Colton Curtis.
Reviews are in!
The Critic’s Pick, The Globe and Mail: “Earworm at Crow’s Theatre is a must-see amid foreign interference inquiry.” – J.Kelly Nestruck
Intermission Magazine: “Earworm is as gorgeous as it is thought-provoking.” – Aisling Murphy
Istvan Reviews: “Earworm is a deeply considered, intense and compassionate piece of theatre.” – Istvan Dugalin
Our Theatre Voice: “An outstanding world premiere that is pensive and shocking.” – Dave Rabjohn
A View From the Box: “Earworm’ is a thought-provoking, engaging world premiere play.” – Janine Marley
Next Magazine: “‘Earworm’ digs into the skin at Crow’s Theatre.” – Andrea Perez