Puzzles

Hi, we’re the team behind Puzzles — a gripping family drama wrapped in a psychological mystery — and we’re raising funds to bring this powerful story to the 2025 Toronto Fringe Festival, July 3 - 12 at Alumnae Theatre.

Written by award-nominated playwright Joanne John, Puzzles follows Gwen, a woman returning home after years of silence. Her arrival forces a tense confrontation with her mother and unearths long-buried secrets surrounding her sister’s childhood disappearance. As memories unravel and emotional truths come to light, the play asks: Can the past ever truly be put to rest?

After a critically acclaimed premiere at the 2022 Ottawa Fringe — where it earned four Prix Rideau Award nominations, including Best New Creation — this reimagined production marks Puzzles’ Toronto debut, and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with new audiences.

We’ve already secured 70% of our funding — but we need your help to cross the finish line.

Your donation will go directly toward:

Fair wages for our talented cast and creative team

Venue, festival, and technical fees

Sets, costumes, props, and promotional materials

Accessibility services to ensure everyone can experience this story

Puzzles is a testament to the power of intergenerational storytelling, truth-seeking, and emotional reckoning. It’s also a bold example of the kind of BIPOC-led, artist-driven work we believe belongs at the center of Canada’s theatrical landscape.

If you’re passionate about new works, diverse voices, or compelling mysteries that move the heart and mind — please donate and share. We’re almost there, and your support will help make this debut truly unforgettable.

With gratitude,
The Puzzles Team
Joanne John – Producer, Playwright & Co-Director
Micah Jondel DeShazer – Production Manager
Lisa Meuser – Director
Anna Tharyan, Andrea Holstein, and Rob Scavone – Cast
And our incredible production crew

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-bring-puzzles-to-toronto-fringe?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR7Gt4uqpTY7Ih7qTRrb8Pmmi08OZ_eyMVVlHuAHntCJ3CQJoyW0hHvPIZwNsw_aem_HXslJr5XKPCJ1O853cz7Ng

Anna Tharyan (Mavis) is a member of both Act2 Studio and Alumnae Theatre and has performed in a variety of roles ranging from a sex-starved husband in Lysistrata, to Creon in Burial at Thebes by Seamus Heaney and in between, a betrayed pastor's wife in The Unholy Estate of Matrimony by Helena Repaso Anna is a retired librarian and sings with the Pax Christi Choir.

Tickets on sale now!