Judith Thompson, one of Canada's leading playwrights, opens her first new full-length work in seven years, at the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto, Jan. 14. Directed by Duncan McIntosh, artistic director of Edmonton's Citadel Theatre, Sled runs to Feb. 16.

Set in Toronto, Sled follows the lives of people who live in a cluster of nearby homes. There's a lounge singer, a waitress, a retired salesman and an Italian immigrant. The past influences them all, leading to "violent action, the possibility of redemption, bittersweet reconciliation and ghostly interventions."

The three-hour epic stars J.W. Carroll, Ann Holloway, Derwin Jordan, Michael Mahonen, Pamela Matthews, Nancy Pawk and Ron White. Sets and lighting are by John Jenkins, costumes by Sue LePage, fight direction by James Binkley. Music is by Bill Thompson.

Previous plays by Thompson include The Crackwalker (1980), White Biting Dog (1985), I Am Yours (1987) and Lion In The Streets (1990). Thompson is the recipient of several Chalmers Canadian Play Awards and two Governor-General's Awards For Drama.

For tickets (C$19-$24) and information on Sled, which began previews Jan. 7, call (416) 531-1827. --By David Lefkowitz