Photos: Jay Leblanc
Since its inception, Joe Jack & John has been focused on artistic accessibility for artists with disabilities, while working on making their plays accessible to a wide audience. When creating Dis merci in 2018, Joe Jack & John’s team worked with Espace Libre to put together their first two relaxed performances. These performances sold out quickly and were a crucial moment in the creation of Dis merci. Since then, Le magasin ferme, les Waitress sont tristes, and Cispersonnages en quête d’auteurice have all been presented with relaxed performances.
Relaxed performances are open to all, and can appeal specifically to people who have a sensory or intellectual disabilities, a neurological or learning disability, and to people with newborns or special needs. The sound and visual ambience of the show as well as the reception are adapted to create a calm and inclusive environment.
By developing audience accessibility for their performances, JJJ pursues their inclusive mission and hope to inspire the community to develop its own initiatives. Espace Libre and Réseau Accès Culture continues to offer relaxed performances in their programming.
Click here to read more about the project in this article from LaPresse+ (FR)