Starting in 2022, performances of VIOLETTE will be available with integrated and spatialized subtitles for people who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. These subtitles can be requested in advance in English or French.

In addition, the team of Les waitress sont tristes is working in collaboration with Natacha Thompson on an LSQ-translated and interpreted version of a substantial part of the work. Parts of the work not performed in Quebec Sign Language will be subtitled in French.

Evenings with audio descriptions will also be organized to reach blind or partially-sighted audiences.

In 2018, Joe Jack & John wanted to develop a new facet of its inclusive practices and make Dis merci accessible to the Deaf community. To do so, they called upon consultant Daz Saunders and, following his recommendations, they quickly involved a Quebec Sign Language (LSQ) interpreter in the creation of the show.

Interpreter Nico Bonin-Gauthier was thus integrated into the play : a fifth character was created for two of the performances of Dis merci at Espace Libre, then at the National Arts Centre. The company also established connections with the deaf community in order to involve its members and gather their impressions and comments for further improvements.

Photos: Frédérique Ménard-Aubin