ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT:

Carys D. Coburn is a trans writer from Dublin. Their work is political, playful, funny, angry, strange. They were the winner of the Verity Bargate Award 2017 for CITYSONG — co-produced by Soho Theatre, the Abbey Theatre and Galway International Arts Festival. Other plays include Absent The Wrong (Best Production at Dublin Fringe 2022) and HOTHOUSE (Best Production at Dublin Fringe 2023). One of the founders of MALAPROP, their work together won acclaim for its distinctive blend of nerdiness and tenderness. Other work with MALAPROP includes Where Sat The Lovers, Before You Say Anything and Everything Not Saved.

Content warnings: CITYSONG contains sexual language, swearing, sexual scenes. Not suitable for those under 16 years of age.

CITYSONG

By Carys D. Coburn

Directed by Joan Bryans

Jericho Arts Centre: April 30 – May 17, 2026
Thursdays/Fridays/Saturdays: 8:00 PM
Sundays: 2:00 PM

Runtime: 1-3/4 hours, including a 15-minute intermission

Pay at the door or…

Vital Spark is proud to announce its upcoming production of CITYSONG by acclaimed Irish playwright Carys D. Coburn.  Directed by Joan Bryans, this powerful and poetic ensemble piece marks its Canadian premiere, bringing a vibrant voice in contemporary theatre to local audiences.

CITYSONG is a kaleidoscopic journey through the streets of Dublin — but its themes of growing up, growing old, and the inescapable rhythms of city life speak to every urban soul. Told through a single day in the life of a city, this lyrical play lets us hear the thoughts of babies, teens, lovers, loners, and elders, all threaded through a richly woven auditory and emotional landscape.

"A tender, electrifying love letter to city life." 
– The Guardian
"This is theatre at its most musical, most human." 
– The Irish Times

 "CITYSONG is a symphony of voices," says director Joan Bryans. "It pulses with life, memory, and connection — just like our own city. It's an invitation to listen more deeply to the people all around us."

Vital Spark continues its commitment to presenting bold, resonant works that spotlight underrepresented voices and contemporary perspectives. CITYSONG is a timely reminder of the beauty and pain in everyday lives — a celebration of the extraordinary within the ordinary.

WHAT THE REVIEWERS ARE SAYING:

"... a glorious celebration of language and the cycle of life and much that happens in between.... Lyrical and meditative... Embrace it; let it take you away." ~ Jo Ledingham, https://joledingham.ca/citysong/

"... impressive Vital Spark theatre production ....  a welcome excursion into a deeper, richer theatrical world." ~Jerry Wasserman, vancouverplays.com

 "... hallelujah! ... Let's hear it for the tenderness, confidence, and commitment this company is bringing to the project... Sweet Mary! The playwright's debt to Dylan Thomas and James Joyce is as welcome as it is clear. In performance, because of the company's humility and care, none of this is daunting...I could listen to writing like that all night...I recommend this production."  ~ Colin Thomas, colinthomas.ca

CAST:

All playing multiple roles… Liam Atticus Wong, Mukta Chachra, Claire deBruyn, Daryl Hutchings, Jono Klassen, Kim Little, Gaia Preite, Lauren Jane Ross and Alex Bloor.

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Director • Co-producer – Joan Bryans
Assistant Director – Barbara Ellison
Alina Quarin – Intimacy Director
Danica Kobayashi – Choreographer
Co-producer • Photography – Nancy Caldwell
Stage Manager – Miranda Sandberg
Co-Technical Director • Lighting Design – Sam Cheng
Co-Technical Director – tbd
Set Design – Todd Parker
Costume Design – Claire Turner.
Sound Design • Josh Osborne
Props • Asst. Stage Manager – Barbara Walsh
Asst. Stage Manager – Bryce Tanton
Set Builder – Bruce Suttie
Graphics • Website – Susan Mellor
Concession – Frances Herzer