It’s said that every generation thinks they are witnessing the end of the world, but for young people today, this rings more true than ever before. In this new play, George F. Walker, one of Canada’s most well-known and award winning playwrights, gives teenagers a voice to speak truth to power.

As part of Season 49! at Theatre Direct, we are proud to announce the World Premiere of Syndrome, by George F. Walker, at The Assembly Theatre (1479 Queen St W, Toronto, ON), March 3-15, 2026.

Commissioned by Theatre Direct, this new play wrestles with adolescence in the face of the constant barrage of doomsday messaging and a future with no guarantees. Walker, known for his distinctive, gritty, and fast-pace d adult tragicomedies, turns his unflinching gaze to high school classrooms–a first for the prolific playwright.

ABOUT THE SHOW: When Kyle (Tony Perpuse) trashes his high school art classroom, they call in social worker Ami (Sarah McVie). Jenny (Madeleine Brown) hides in the rubble to be there for her friend. No one is telling the truth about what's going on in the world. Kyle feels...oppositional.

"What's going on in our world? Try to figure that out.

Then try to explain it to our youth.

That's what Syndrome is all about."

– George F. Walker

Set in the aftermath of a destroyed classroom, Syndrome is directed by Theatre Direct’s Artistic Director Lisa Marie DiLiberto. This production stars Sarah McVie (Working Moms, The Handmaid’s Tale, American Gods and currently on-stage in Eureka Day), Dora-award winning performer Tony Perpuse (The Waltz – Factory Theatre, The Darkest Dark – Young People’s Theatre), and and NOW Magazine Award-winning actor and playwright Madeleine Brown.

The creative team includes award-winning designer Amanda Wong (set and costumes), Dora Award-winner Lyon Smith (sound design), and The Assembly Theatre’s Chin Palipane (lighting design). Presented for both student and public audiences, Syndrome promises a darkly funny, candid, and urgent theatrical experience for young people and the adults trying to understand them.

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SYNDROME

BY GEORGE F. WALKER

MARCH 3-15, 2026

Grades 9+

STUDENT PERFORMANCES

March 3-6, 2026

Tickets $15/student

Educators interested in bringing Grades 9–12 students are encouraged to contact: Carly Kastner, carly@theatredirect.ca

PUBLIC PERFORMANCES

March 10-15, 2026

Tickets: $25 General | $20 Artsworker

7:30PM nightly | 2:00PM weekend matinees

Assembly Theatre

1479 Queen Street West

Tickets and details: www.zeffy.com