Tarragon Theatre’s Artistic Director, Mike Payette and Executive Director Lisa Li, are pleased to announce the arrival of the The Caged Bird Sings, a Tarragon Theatre presentation of a Modern Times and Theatre ARTaud Production. Created by Rouvan Silogix, Rafeh Mahmud and Ahad Lakhani, and directed by Rafeh Mahmud, The Caged Bird Sings plays in Tarragon’s Extraspace from June 9 - 21, 2026, opening June 12.

The Caged Bird Sings is a daring work that takes on a radical re-imagining of the Masnavi by the Sufi mystic and poet, Rumi. The story follows three prisoners in Rumi, Jin and a mysterious figure named Sal, who share a confined space while grappling with their past lives, inner demons and questions about freedom. The story unfolds in a fast-paced story that blends dark humour with philosophical, spiritual depth, exploring Sufi mysticism, while constantly asking whether the cages people inhabit - both physical and psychological - can ever truly be escaped.

Originally debuting in June 2024 at the Aga Khan Museum, the production received critical praise for its adept handling of deeply philosophical content and its balance - recognized for being both thought-provoking content and unexpectedly funny “The legacy of Modern Times Theatre is vital in Toronto. Celebrated for their unique artistry and provocative storytelling, it is a pleasure to welcome them back with their signature style and this powerful adaptation that moved so many audiences years ago. This revitalized presentation promises to transport audiences with magic, humour and invite a deeper exploration of the many realms that exist within us,” notes Artistic Director Mike Payette.

The Caged Bird Sings is created by Rouvan Silogix (dir. Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo/Modern Times/Crow’s), Rafeh Mahmud (In Defense of Civil Society), Ahad Lakhani (Tarragon debut, The Caged Bird Sings/Modern Times). Performances by Mikaela Lily Davies (Tarragon debut, The Last Wife/Centaur), Navtej Sandhu (Tarragon debut, Mahabharata/Why Not Theatre), Rouvan Silogix (Tarragon acting debut, Die tonight; Live Forever/Buddies in Bad Times). With direction by Rafeh Mahmud (The Caged Bird Sings/Modern Times/Aga Khan Museum).

The Caged Bird Sings is on stage at Tarragon June 9 - 21, 2026, opening on June 12.

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The Caged Bird Sings

Created by Rouvan Silogix, Rafeh Mahmud and Ahad Lakhani

Directed by Rafeh Mahmud

Tarragon Theatre presents a Modern Times and Theatre ARTaud Production

Extraspace

June 9 - 21, 2026

For tickets visit tarragontheatre.com