Martha Henry directs the play about families torn apart and decades-long yearning.

"Homechild is an epic, national story but also an evocative and tender tale of family bonds, lineage and the endurance of love," according to CanStage. "It centers on Alistair MacEachern, a crotchety, funny and fearless farmer. For 70 years he has silently longed for the sister he left behind in Scotland. Joan MacLeod tells a quintessential Canadian story that unearths the secret of the 100,000 Home Children sent to Canada from Britain between 1860 and 1930. Humorous and poignant, Homechild is a wonderful, smart, modern story about the absence of love and, ultimately, the power of love."

Henry, the respected Canadian actress and director (known for seasons at London's Grand Theatre and the Stratford Festival, as well as CanStage's Proof), oversees a cast that includes Eric Peterson (CanStage's Beard of Avon) as Alistair, Joyce Campion as Dorrie, Lara Jean Chorostecki as Katie, Barbara Gordon (CanStage's Written on Water) as Jean, Patricia Hamilton (CanStage's Angels in America) as Flora, Brenda Robins (CanStage's Omnium Gatherum) as Lorna, Randy Hughson (CanStage's Take Me Out) as Wesley and Tom Rooney (CanStage's My Mother's Feet) as Ewan.

The Homechild creative team includes set and costume designer Astrid Janson and lighting designer Paul Mathiesen. Original music is by Stephen Woodjetts. Stage manager is Lauren Snell and assistant stage manager is Zeph Williams.

Previews play Jan. 2-4. Opening is Jan. 5. Performances continue to Jan. 28 at CanStage's Bluma space, 27 Front St. E. For more information, call (416) 368-3110 or Ticketmaster at (416) 872-1111, or visit www.canstage.com.