You can download a PDF version of our program book here.
A Word from the Artistic Director
Echoes of the Underworld began with a question: how might traditional folklore be experienced not as a story being told, but as a world being entered?
Drawing inspiration from Chinese ghost stories, supernatural legends, and ancestral traditions, this production reimagines folklore through an immersive, site-specific format. Rather than presenting a single linear narrative, audiences travel through Campbell House Museum in small groups, encountering different characters and storylines that unfold simultaneously throughout the house. Each route offers a distinct perspective, allowing every audience member to construct their own journey through the underworld before all paths converge in a shared finale.
In creating this work, I was interested in the intersection of cultural heritage and contemporary performance. The spirits, demons, and mythical beings found in these stories are not presented simply as supernatural figures, but as reflections of human desires, fears, relationships, and memories. Through choreography, music, and environmental storytelling, the work seeks to transform familiar folklore into a living experience that audiences can physically navigate and interpret for themselves.
My hope is that Echoes of the Underworld invites audiences to engage with these stories in a new way—one that celebrates the richness of Chinese cultural traditions while exploring the universal emotions that continue to connect the living and the dead, the past and the present.
— Emily Cheung
Artistic Director & Choreographer
Synopsis
Echoes of the Underworld is an immersive dance theatre experience inspired by Chinese folklore, ghost stories, and spiritual legends. Guided through Campbell House Museum in small groups, audiences encounter multiple storylines unfolding simultaneously across the historic house. Through contemporary dance, live music, and environmental storytelling, the production invites audiences into a realm where spirits, memories, and forgotten tales converge in a shared finale.
The Underworld Has Many Paths
Each audience member follows one of three routes through the house, encountering different characters and storylines before all journeys converge in the Grand Finale. Because many events unfold simultaneously, no single route reveals the complete story.
Every path offers a unique perspective on the world of Echoes of the Underworld. We invite you to return and experience another route to discover new encounters, hidden connections, and stories you may have missed.
Featured Routes
Route 1 (Red)
Nine Tailed Fox (Forest)
Deep within an ancient forest, a chance encounter reveals the enduring bonds that unite kindred spirits in times of danger.
Vania Lizbeth Chan
Sebastian Hirtenstein
Dawson Lloyd
Caitlin Meyer
Derek Souvannavong
Phantom Rose
Two wandering souls navigate trials and longing as an unexpected connection begins to take root.
Derek Souvannavong
Yui Ugai
Doll
In a world where affection can shape destiny, love and jealousy become inseparable companions.
Caitlin Meyer
Vania Lizbeth Chan
Route 2 (Blue)
Skin
Behind a captivating exterior lies a timeless struggle between beauty, survival, and insatiable desire.
Sebastian Hirtenstein
Chelly Li
Vampire
An encounter with the supernatural tests the limits of human confidence and control.
Vania Lizbeth Chan
Chelly Li
Dawson Lloyd
Yan Zi
Love endures beyond absence, memory, and the passage of time.
Sebastian Hirtenstein
Yui Ugai
Route 3 (Yellow)
Ghost Bride
A young woman confronts duty, tradition, and the unknown on the eve of an extraordinary wedding.
Caitlin Meyer
Yui Ugai
Breath of Demon
Even within the spirit realm, companionship and desire find a way to flourish.
Sebastian Hirtenstein
Caitlin Meyer
Nine Tailed Fox (Banquet)
An unsuspecting guest is drawn into a celebration where enchantment, illusion, and hospitality intertwine.
Chelly Li
Dawson Lloyd
Derek Souvannavong
Grand Finale
All Routes Converge
As worlds collide and hidden truths emerge, an ancient power threatens the fragile balance between spirits and humankind.
Vania Lizbeth Chan
Sebastian Hirtenstein
Chelly Li
Dawson Lloyd
Caitlin Meyer
Derek Souvannavong
Yui Ugai
Featured Creators
Emily Cheung
Artistic Director & Choreographer
Emily Cheung is the Artistic Director of Little Pear Garden Dance Company and a Toronto-based choreographer, performer, and educator specializing in Chinese classical and contemporary dance. Born in Hong Kong, she began her dance training at a young age under renowned teachers Jean M. Wong and Carol Bateman. She performed with the Hong Kong Ballet Youth Company and appeared at official events, including performances for the Governor of Hong Kong. Her artistic training later expanded across China, Hong Kong, the United States, and Canada, where she earned degrees in Fine Arts, Education, and Dance Studies from York University.
For more than two decades, Emily has been a leading advocate for Chinese dance in Canada, creating opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration and championing works that bridge traditional aesthetics with contemporary artistic expression. Under her artistic leadership, Little Pear Garden Dance Company has created and presented numerous original productions, toured extensively, and introduced diverse audiences to the richness and evolution of Chinese dance.
Recognized as one of Ontario’s “Voices of Chinese Canadian Women” during Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations, Emily was also a finalist for the Muriel Sherrin Award and a nominee for the Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prizes. Through her choreography, she continues to explore Chinese cultural narratives while fostering meaningful artistic dialogue across disciplines and communities.
Alice Ping Yee Ho
Composer & Sound
Alice Ping Yee Ho is an award-winning Canadian composer and pianist whose work spans opera, orchestral, chamber, dance, and theatre music. Born in Hong Kong and now based in Toronto, she has cultivated an international career that bridges Eastern and Western artistic traditions. Her music has been commissioned and performed by leading ensembles and orchestras across Canada, Europe, Asia, and North America, and she has maintained strong artistic ties to Hong Kong through commissions from the Hong Kong Composers’ Guild, appearances as a featured composer at Chinese Composers Festivals, and guest lectures at The Chinese University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
A recipient of the 2024 Jules Léger Prize for New Chamber Music—the first Hong Kong-born composer to receive this distinction—as well as the Maria Anna Mozart Award, the Johanna Metcalf Performing Arts Prize, and the Mavor Dora Moore Award, Alice is recognized for her distinctive musical voice, imaginative storytelling, and ability to connect diverse cultural influences through music. Her compositions have been recorded and released on numerous international labels, and her works continue to be performed by acclaimed ensembles and soloists around the world.
As both a composer and pianist, Alice creates deeply expressive works that explore identity, memory, cultural heritage, and human connection. Her most recent album, The Imagined—inspired by the paintings of late Hong Kong artist Wesley Tongson and performed by Canadian pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico—continues her exploration of artistic dialogue across cultures and disciplines.
DIANA TSO 楓
Poet
Diana Tso is a theatre artist, playwright, storyteller and Dora award winning actor. She’s a theatre faculty member at George Brown College. She graduated from the University of Toronto in English Literature and from Ecole Internationale de Théâtre de Jacques Lecoq in France. She’s worked with diverse theatres internationally for over 25 years. Performances include: Luminato’s The 52 Live, Modern Times Stage Company’s The Cherry Orchard, Theatre Smith-Gilmour’s Pu Songling Strange Tales and Les Misérables and Stratford Festival’s Bakkhai and The Komagata Maru Incident.
As artistic director of Red Snow Collective, which creates compelling theatre drawn from
eastern and western storytelling aesthetics, her productions focus on empowering the voices of women: Her plays, Red Snow (2012) and Comfort (2016) bring to light the resilience of women in war; her Monkey Queen (2018) is a re-imagining of mythology from the female perspective and Carried by the River (2026) is inspired by the daughters of China’s one child policy. Her plays are available at Canadian Play Outlet. Online creations include: unwavering, commissioned by a Convergence Theatre under their 2020 COVID Confessions series, click link below for audio and text:
https://www.convergencetheatre.com/covid-commissions-art/unwavering-by-diana-tso
Facebook: Diana Tso Instagram: @tsotography Instagram: @redsnowcollective
Billy Wong
Lighting Designer & Audio Planner
Billy Wong is a lighting designer and technologist who graduated from the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts with a major in Lighting Technology. He received the 19th Hong Kong Dance Award for Outstanding Lighting Design (2017) for Sweep and earned an Honourable Mention in OISTAT’s Technical Invention Prize (2017) for his invention, The Portable Colour Filter Cutting Track.
During his studies, Billy was awarded several scholarships and became the first student from Asia sponsored by Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC) to attend the Lighting Design International (LDI) Expo in the United States.
His artistic practice spans theatre, dance, concerts, and installation art, including participation in Japan’s Setouchi International Art Festival and Ichihara Art x Mix, as well as self-initiated lighting installations. Billy has toured extensively across Asia as a lighting programmer and associate lighting designer, collaborating with leading theatre companies and productions in Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia, and China.
His notable lighting design credits include Sweep, Children of War, Am I King?, Bonhoeffer in Love II, Quartet Plus Paper, and We Are Late!. His diverse portfolio also includes productions such as Avenue Q, Peter Pan (immersive theatre), Frankenstein: Relive, and Pavilion of a Hundred Flowers (Reboot).
Creative Team
Choreographer: Emily Cheung
Composer and Sound: Alice Ping Yee Ho
Poet: Diana Tso
Dancers/Collaborators: Sebastian Hirtenstein, Chelly Li, Dawson Lloyd, Caitlin Meyer, Derek Souvannavong, Yui Ugai
Coloratura Soprano: Vania Lizbeth Chan
Rehearsal Director: Nicole Decsey
Fight Choreographer: Sebastian Hirtenstein
Set & Costume Designer: Cindy Chang
Lighting Designer: Billy Wong
Executive Director: Victor Tan
Production Manager: Maggie Ho
Marketing Coordinator: Janice Li
Intern: Chloe To
Front of the House Crew: Benjamin W. Russell, Dr. Koren Lui Teo, Nina Kim, Yuliya Xu
Meet the Cast
ARTISTS
Vania Lizbeth Chan
Coloratura Soprano
Vania Lizbeth Chan is a versatile artist, active in the fields of vocal performance, academia and education. She collaborates with fellow artists to create exciting projects that inspire and educate a wide-ranging audience. A lyric coloratura soprano, Opera News (NY) described Vania’s voice as “gently shimmering”. She sings in a variety of styles, from Baroque to musical theatre, pop and jazz. Vania made her Carnegie Hall debut, claiming first prize in the Barry Alexander International Competition. Vania received her PhD from York University, and her Master of Music from the Manhattan School of Music, NY. Her doctoral dissertation explored the topics of Mindfulness and Self-Regulation. She continues to expand her research through her interview series “When Music Meets Mindfulness”, published on her YouTube channel (Vania Chan Music) and in the WholeNote Magazine. Upcoming projects include performing and recording the works of Canadian composers Alice Ho and David Jaeger.
Sebastian Hirtenstein
Company Dancer
Sebastian “Bash” Hirtenstein’s undeniable versatility, unshakeable fearlessness and captivating qualities in performance have allowed him to work with a wide spectrum of choreographers & companies such as BoucharDanse, Addy Chan, Michael Caldwell, Canadian Opera Company, Emilio Collalilo, Lenny de la Pena, Barbara Kaneratonni Diabo, Rodney Diverlus, The Dietrich Group, Scott Fordham, Gadfly, Kaha:wi Dance Theatre, Little Pear Garden Dance Company, Jennifer Nichols, Kevin Ormsby, Red Sky Performance, Jennifer Thiessen, Kylie Thompson and Lydia Zimmer. He has performed throughout Canada, the Middle East, and Asia with Creativiva’s Aladdin and Pinocchio (for which he was dance captain) and has shared stages with stars such as Ariana Grande, Jason Derulo, Kiesza, Bebe Rexha, Shaun Frank, Delaney Jane, Allan Rayman and Polina Grace. He has also starred in multiple TV series including American Gods, Shadowhunters, The Umbrella Academy, Killjoys, Eva Longoria’s Glamorous, and has worked with major brands such as Jack Daniel’s, Microsoft, Duracell, Priceline, Captain Morgan’s, TD Bank, Nordstrom, IÖGO, and the Toronto Argonauts. He has also created choreography for the Hamilton Conservatory of the Arts, Fashion Shoot Extravaganza, and artists such as Marie-Clo, HERDD, Husslah and Harriet Chung.
ARTISTS
Chelly Li
Company Dancer
Celly Li is a dynamic multidisciplinary artist trained in both technical and commercial dance styles, as well as classical music and theatre. Now anchored in contemporary dance, Chelly continues to draw on her diverse experience in her work. Notable platforms she has performed for include Fall For Dance North, Nuit Blanche, Dance Ontario, and CNTV. Chelly was featured in Impetus Movement’s Hope (2024), EMiMOTION’s Echoes of the Abyss (2024) and Flesh (2024). She toured Italy as a soloist with hART Dance in 2025, and continues to tour regionally with Little Pear Garden. Her recent stage work includes a duet (dir. Aaron Jan; chor. Hanna Kiel) that premiered in Montreal in 2026. Her screen credits span music videos, short films, and commercials, most recently Osmow’s 2025 Super Bowl campaign. Her choreography and creative direction have been featured in Doppelgänger (2024) for Impetus Movement; Skin (2024) and NUO: Souls of the Night (2025) for Little Pear Garden; Powerful (2025) for Treble Art; Some Hope (2025) and Infinite Time (2025) for IF Film Crew. She teaches at various studios across the city and has also served as a guest teaching associate for Canada’s National Ballet School.
Dawson Lloyd
Dancer
Dawson Lloyd is a dynamic choreographer, dancer, and educator trained in both classical and street dance styles. Drawing from a wide range of movement influences, his work blends contemporary fusion movement with cinematic and multidisciplinary elements, creating physically driven and emotionally grounded performances.
Dawson has performed in works by renowned choreographers including Jera Wolfe, Hannah Kiel, Christina Digiuseppe, and Merce Cunningham. He has also performed in Little Pear Garden’s film choreographed by Chelly Li. His performance credits additionally include appearing in a music video for Spiritbox, choreographed by Shawn Brake.
As the founder and Artistic Director of Impetus Movement Dance Company, Dawson leads a contemporary fusion multidisciplinary dance company dedicated to creating emotionally resonant and momentum-driven work. His choreography has been presented through platforms including Dance Ontario, Fall for Dance North, Nuit Blanche, and Toronto Fringe Festival, as well as intimate showcases across the city and Infinite Time by IF Film Crew. Dawson has also premiered two original full-length productions, Hope (2024) and Human, After All (2026) Dawson currently teaches at Various studios around the city such as Underground Dance Centre, Studio North Toronto and Cornerstone studio.
ARTISTS
Caitlin Meyer
Company Dancer
Caitlin Meyer (she/her) is a passionate multidisciplinary dancer, educator, and choreographer. She holds a BA in Honours Psychology and a Minor in Marketing from University of Guelph, and a Choreography Certificate from Broadway Dance Centre. Caitlin’s recent credits include Fall For Dance North Festival, London Fringe Festival, a tour with Little Pear Garden Dance Company, music videos for Canadian artists Azalyne, and SHEBAD, and works by Caitlyn Paige, Tyler Hutchings, Emilio Colallilo, Sadie Cahill, Maya Santos O’keefe, Taylor Collis, Normal People Collective, and The Blue Institute Dance Company.
Derek Souvannavong
Dancer
Derek Souvannavong is a dance artist based in Tkaronto (Toronto) and a graduate of Dance at York University. He has premiered solo work “this identity: woven” co-created with Peggy Baker, receiving a Dora-award nomination for Excellence in Choreography. He has also presented solo work “Woven Presence” created through mentorship and residency with Peter Chin. His work is heavily influenced by the immense care he has received from both these artists and holds much gratitude for their warmth and generosity. Souvannavong has performed in various works by Ballet Creole, Frog in Hand, Ronald Taylor Dance, Rumi Jeraj, and worked with artists Danny Grossman, Laurence Lemieux, Tracey Norman, Emily Cheung, Yui Ugai, and Newton Moraes among others. Souvannavong is intrigued by traditional Lao dance forms and continues to explore relations between Lao and western contemporary dance, weaving together his Lao heritage into his work.
Yui Ugai
Company Dancer
Yui Ugai, a dance artist and educator from Hiroshima, Japan, now based in Toronto, Canada. With a decade of experience, she has collaborated with diverse dance companies globally, performing on numerous national and international stages. Yui’s journey began with drama studies at Takarazuka North High School, followed by intensive training in dance and music at Kobe College, Japan. She holds both a BFA and an MFA in Dance from York University, Toronto. Yui’s talents extend to acting, debuting in “Summer Days” directed by Nobuhiko Obayashi, and collaborating with Hollywood casting director Yoko Narahashi. Notably, her lead role in “Raptura” premiered at TIFF at the imagineNATIVE Film+Media Arts Festival and the ReelWorld Film Festival, her talent has graced screens worldwide, including Netflix, Disney+, and Sony Pictures.
Acknowledgements
Echoes of the Underworld would not be possible without the support of the organizations, partners, artists, and community members who believe in the power of the performing arts. Little Pear Garden Dance Company gratefully acknowledges the Canada Council for the Arts, the Ontario Arts Council, the Toronto Arts Council, the Government of Ontario, the City of Toronto, and Campbell House Museum for their invaluable support of this production and our ongoing artistic work.
Thank you to everyone who has joined us on this journey into the spirit world. Your presence helps keep these stories alive.
About Little Pear Garden
Started in 1994 as a Peking Opera collective, then transformed into a professional dance company in 2007, the Little Pear Garden Dance Company is one of the most sought-after dance troupes in Canada.
Inspired by the rich and diverse tapestry of Chinese dance vocabularies, the Company has created an acclaimed and powerful body of work that encompasses both classical and contemporary productions, warmly received by audiences of all ages and cultures.
The Company is actively involved in many projects of dance development and promotion and has enjoyed a consistent presence in festivals, performing seasons and tours. Our current artistic director is Ms. Emily Wing-Mei Cheung.
Little Pear Garden has extensive touring experience. Since 2013 the company has toured nation-wide and performed more than 200 shows in various venues and locations, and reached more than 76,000 audiences. The Company continues to tour annually.
We honour and acknowledge the ancestral caretakers of this land that we live, work, and dance on the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, and the Wendat First Nation who have a Treaty relationship with Canada.
