For TPM, accessibility is at the heart of how we interpret and understand work, both for our audiences as well as through the artistic process. We aim to have an approach to accessibility that is holistic, adaptive and creative, and always in conversation with intended communities. As a company, we understand that access is vital to fostering a vital, relevant and diverse theatre community.
Here are some of the highlights in TPM’s Access journey:
2011 – MONTPARNASSE created by Maev Beaty and Erin Shields
This production about Montparnasse’s models/muses had ASL interpretation, as well as invited members of the nudist/naturist community to enjoy the show.
2016 – ELLE Adapted by Severn Thompson from the novel by Douglas Glover
This award-winning show was TPM’s first production which incorporated a Relaxed Performance.
2016 – ULTRASOUND by Adam Pottle
Performed In ASL and spoken English, this production included captioning throughout, and additionally had Deaf-interpreted performances.
2017 – Stupidhead! A Musical Comedy by Katherine Cullen
Performances in ASL with Deaf Interpretation, Audio Described Performance and Relaxed Performance.
2018 – Renovation to the sidewalk outside the theatre which widened the sidewalks and ramped the entire outside to all the doors. Addition of the Accessible push buttons on lobby door and washrooms.
2019 – THE ELECTION by Natasha Greenblatt and Yolanda Bonnell with the Company
In this collective creation, the script was adapted to include integrated story and visual information with a live vocal score making the performances accessible for Blind and low-vision audiences.
2020 – SUITCASE / ADRENALINE by Ahmed Meree
Created and performed entirely in Arabic, the performances included captioning as well as printed materials in Arabic.
2019 – 2021 ACCESSIBILITY LABS
Funded by the TAC Open Doors grants, these series of experiments opened up new avenues of embedding and incorporating accessibility initiatives into the creation process.
2021 – SPECULATION by Leslie Ting
Among many other access points, this digital production included an ASL Deaf-interpreted version, as well as featured the use of group phone lines in order to create the effect of the experimental music work 4’33 by John Cage.
2022 – SCORED IN SILENCE by Chisato Minimimura
This production about the Deaf survivors of the atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki was performed in ASL, visual vernacular and used Woojer belts to create a vibrating and sensory experience for the audience.
2023 – RELAXED ENVIRONMENT – Theatre Passe Muraille first commits to an entire Season with Relaxed Environment and will continue moving forward. For more information on the TPM Relaxed Environment visit our TPM Relaxed Environment Page.
2023 – OKAY YOU CAN STOP NOW by Shakeil Rollock
This dance/movement production incorporated the Deaf interpretation into the video and projection design, so that the ASL interpretation was seamlessly part of the entire artistic aesthetic.
2024 – NO ONE IS SPECIAL AT THE HOT DOG CART by Charlie Petch
This production which centred the de-escalation techniques gained by Charlie over the course of multiple jobs, was a sensory-sensitive run, which included adaptive light as well as integrated warnings for intense sound.
Our Access Initiatives are made possible with the support of
