A Joe Jack & John Production Co-Presented by Theatre Passe Muraille & Théâtre français de Toronto
Photo by Thibault Carron
Graphic Design by Emily Jung
A troupe of professional actors finds themselves in a rehearsal hall working on a new play, throwing out idea after idea in an attempt to overcome the creative block bogging them all down. Caught between their dramatic intent and their numerous ethical principles, they discover that their play space has become a minefield where artistic liberty is under threat.
Joe Jack & John borrows the title of Luigi Pirandello’s play Six Characters in Search of an Author (1921), and the broad strokes of the play-within-a-play to investigate the ruptures and reflections of a society moving slowly towards the ideals of equity and inclusion. The resulting unethical comedy doesn’t presume to clear up any confusion, but does promise a laugh – forced, full-bodied, or both!
Joe Jack & John creates engaged and innovative theatrical productions through co-creation with inclusive teams, including professional artists of diverse ability – notably neurodivergent and disabled artists. Joe Jack & John works at the intersection of theatre and life, as though one were the extension of the other; a way to interrogate, rummage through, and above all, to take part.
To see the list of shows and book your tickets, please visit our ticketing site. or contact us at 416.504.7529, or by email at info@passemuraille.on.ca. Tickets are all Pay-What-You-Can-Afford Price Points: $15, $40, $65, (price includes all ticket fees)
Please note that all individuals involved in the this performance have given their consent and act of their own free will, so you don’t have to worry, in case you were wondering.
The language used in this performance may be disturbing to some audience members.
This performance may trigger a sense of intellectual or moral superiority in certain viewers. Please consider your own cognitive biases before sharing your reactions. This performance contains scenes that may not provide answers and may, in fact, contribute to the confusion.
No animals are harmed during the performance.
Relaxed Environment: The full run will be a relaxed performance. For more information visit our Relaxed Environment page.
The performance is in French with English captions of the text being spoken.
- Laser effect used
- Some Loud sound
- Strong language: sexism and derogatory terms for LGBTQ+, Disabled and BIPOC communities
- Gestures of a sexual nature
- Depictions of violence and animal abuse (the animal is not real)
Credits
Written by
Catherine Bourgeois in collaboration with Edon Descollines, Jean-François Hupé, Hubert Lemire, Michael Nimbley, Audrey Talbot, Anne Tremblay, Pénélope Bourque, Louis Girandello, Maryline Chery, Guy-Philippe Côté, Pénélope Goulet-Simard
Performances by
Edon Descollines, Maryline Chery, Guy-Philippe Côté, Pénélope Goulet-Simard, David Noël, Michael Nimbley, Audrey Talbot
Direction and Set Design by
Catherine Bourgeois
Costume and Set Design by
Amy Keith
Lighting Design by
Jean Jauvin
Sound Design by
Alexander MacSween
Dramaturgy by
Sara Fauteux
Translation of subtitles by
Bobby Theodore
Rehearsal coach, support worker and walk-on
Paul Patrick Charbonneau
Assistant Direction by
Alexie Pommier
Assistant Set Design by
Alizée Milot
Assistant Costume Design and Technical Assistant and Support Worker by
Carolie Delisle
Sound Operator
Andréa Marsolais-Roy
Production Manager
Pénélope Bourque
Technical Director and Touring Stage Manager
Charlotte Baker
Joe Jack & John creates engaged and innovative theatrical productions through collective writing and with inclusive teams, including professional artists of functional diversity – notably neurodivergent artists and artists with intellectual disabilities. Joe Jack & John works at the intersection of theatre and life, as though one were the extension of the other; a way to interrogate, rummage through, and above all, to take part.
Over the past twenty years, the company has developed a creative process that is both accessible and ethical, which emphasizes interdependence, self-determination and devised creation to draw out free and honest speech destined for diverse audiences. Current issues, or questions which resonate contemporarily, are at the heart of the work. Joe Jack & John thus allows the emergence of a theatre which renews the way we perceive ourselves and tell our stories.
The company’s humanist values translate into fervently defended principles, which influence methods of creation, production and performance. Joe Jack & John’s tight-knit teams collaborate slowly, with kindness, and with humour.
Théâtre français de Toronto (TfT) is a company performing repertoire and new work for Francophones and Francophiles. It promotes and presents theatrical vitality to the various communities and school networks it serves. As a gathering place where everyone can meet, the company puts quality work at the forefront by offering a diversified and inclusive program. Through its programs, TfT supports, encourages, and spurs on the artistic emergence and professional development of its community. It actively participates in education and theatrical outreach.
To schedule an interview with the artist, or staff members at Theatre Passe Muraille regarding this production, please email B-Rebel Communications at ashley@b-rebelcommunications.com. We will try our best to accommodate your media requests, however they are not guaranteed.
Click here to be directed to the media page.
“Red Circle Events” is our annual community event series inspired by the productions in our current season. Want a peek into the groundbreaking creative process of Cispersonnages en quête d’auteurice? We are excited to host an Inclusive Co-creation Workshop with artist Catherine Bourgeois, Artistic Director of Joe Jack & John, and Andreas Prinz, seasoned actor of Sol Express on Friday April 25, 2025. For more information or to sign-up for this free event, please visit this link.
If you have any questions about our community programs, please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator Angela by emailing outreach@passemuraille.on.ca or by calling 416-504-8980 (ext. 2140).
All performances are captioned in English.
Limited number of augmented reality glasses for a more immersive experience. Please arrive 20 min in advance of show time and speak to our Front of House staff in the lobby before the performance for access to this service. Provided free of cost from Le Théâtre Français De Toronto.
This production is part of our #BeyondTO festival!
Also check out #BeyondTO’s other production, A Taste of Hong Kong!
Come join A Taste of Hong Kong – a snack-sized tasting class of Hong Kong’s best treats! Jackie will introduce you to famous foods such as curry fishballs, siu mai, and more, while sharing the highlights and history of Hong Kong. All the way from its colonial era to the present, this class will demonstrate the grit and jam of Hong Kong people.
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