On October 18, 2024, a packed audience at the Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto experienced a night of moving storytelling, artistry, and resilience. Amma, Where Are You?, a musical based on a true story, brought to life the journey of a family navigating unimaginable loss and rebuilding with love, hope, and support.
This production was more than a performance—it was a testament to the power of community.
A Story That Touches Hearts
The musical drew its narrative from the life of Sivamany, a mother whose dedication to her autistic daughter, Maathumai, transcended personal struggles and systemic challenges. Sivamany’s journey, and her enduring impact even after her passing, reflects the resilience and strength of so many families SAAAC supports.
Her story was brought to life with authenticity and empathy by a diverse cast, including 12 autistic performers. Taniya Moses, an up-and-coming autistic actor, portrayed Maathumai with depth and grace, while Dr. Ramya Raghavan—a mother herself—brought immense emotion to the role of Sivamany.
A Community Effort
What made this musical extraordinary was its collaborative spirit. Led by SAAAC’s CEO and Founder, Geetha Moorthy, who has a rich history in the arts as a classical Indian dancer, the production involved volunteers from all walks of life—students, caregivers, staff, and community members—united by their shared passion for the arts and inclusion.
Over seven months, weekends were dedicated to rehearsing, refining scripts, and creating props by hand. Every detail, from the emotional performances to the meticulously crafted set, reflected the dedication of the many individuals who contributed their time and talents.
Discover more about the incredible journey of Amma, Where Are You?—download our official musical program here to explore behind-the-scenes insights, cast details, and the story that inspired it all.
The Impact of the Arts
The night of the performance, the 600-strong audience witnessed not just a play but a movement. The musical shed light on the caregiving realities of many families in Ontario, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those with autism and their caregivers.
As Geetha, SAAAC’s Founder, shared:
“I was incredibly moved by this story. I was close with the mother portrayed in this production, and I hope the community coming together would make her incredibly proud. This show was only possible because of the dedication of so many wonderful people.”
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Supporters
This incredible production would not have been possible without the generosity and support of our donors and sponsors. We extend our deepest gratitude to the Srinarayanathas Foundation, our Champion, for their unwavering belief in our vision.
We also want to thank our Gold Sponsors, Azrieli Foundation and Scotiabank, for their vital contributions. Your investment in Amma, Where Are You? helped us bring this powerful story to the stage, raising awareness and fostering inclusion through the arts.
Your support not only empowered our performers and volunteers but also ensured this production could touch the hearts of over 600 attendees, inspiring a greater understanding of the challenges and resilience of families like Sivamany’s.
Together, we continue to create opportunities where stories of strength, love, and hope shine. Thank you for being an integral part of this journey.
Relive the Magic
Want to experience the full journey of Amma, Where Are You?? Watch the complete musical performance and see the heartfelt storytelling, inspiring talent, and incredible community effort that brought this production to life.