Inclusion: Deaf, disability and Mad arts

Changing the shape of Canadian theatre

The 2016-17 Cycle: Deaf, disability, Mad arts and inclusion

The Second Cycle engages deeply with the Deaf, disability and Mad arts community, and grapples with the idea of inclusion. NAC English Theatre launched the Second Cycle at the Stratford Festival in April 2016. The Second Cycle concludes in Ottawa in June 2017, when artists, leaders and students from the Deaf, disability and mad arts gather for ten days, culminating in a nation-wide, two day immersive experience called The Republic of Inclusion from June 27-29.

For more in depth information about Summit 2016, download the report created by co-curators Sarah Garton Stanley and Syrus Marcus Ware.

Download the Summit Report

Part 1: Summit 2016

APRIL 2016 | THE STRATFORD FESTIVAL

In April 2016, NAC English Theatre gathered together 13 Deaf, disabled and Mad Artists/Leaders from across the country for Summit 2016, held at the Stratford Festival. This was a three-day conversation about the breadth and scope of Deaf, disability, Mad art and inclusion being created across this vast land. It was co-curated by Associate Artistic Director of English Theatre Sarah Garton Stanley and academic, activist and artist Syrus Marcus Ware, with nine cultural institutions participating as “Respondents”.

The NAC gratefully acknowledges the partnership of the Stratford Festival, and the collaborating support of  the Department of Theatre and Film at the University of British Columbia, the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus, Playwrights Workshop Montreal, the British Council Canada and the R. Howard Webster Foundation. We would also like to acknowledge the institutional involvement of Arts Council England, the Canada Council for the Arts, Vancouver’s Playwrights Theatre Centre, and Toronto’s  Luminato Festival.

Playwrights Workshop Montreal gratefully acknowledges the support of The Canada Council for the Arts.

Learn more

Part 2: Study 2017

JUNE 19-27 2017| OTTAWA 

In June 2017, theatre creators, students and scholars will gather in Ottawa to immerse themselves in The Study. Together participants will explore the compendium of Deaf, disability and Mad art from across the country, and explore modes of inclusive performance creation practice. The Study culminates with The Republic of Inclusion, a multi-day presentation and conversation event which aims to participate in changing the shape of Canadian theatre and the processes by which it is made.

Part 3: The Republic of Inclusion

JUNE 27-29, 2017 - OTTAWA

The Republic of Inclusion

Livestream of events on June 28, 2017 will be available between 10:00 - 12:30 Eastern, and 14:00 - 16:30 Eastern. Links are below:

Morning LiveStream        Afternoon LiveStream

The Republic of Inclusion is for everyone. Dive into the immersive, accessible and inclusive world of Deaf, disability and Mad arts. Performance bursts, curated conversations, fine food and drink, djs and dance, live music and visual art await you! Featuring leading artists and creators from around the country, The Republic of Inclusion promises to reveal the scope of existing works, and practice in Canada.

The Study & The Republic of Inclusion Participants:

Barak Ade Soleil, Prince Amponsah, Erin Ball, Olivia Basha, Sonny Bean, Caroline Bowditch, Lois Brown, Alex Bulmer, Eliza Chandler, Michele Decottignies, Jan  Derbyshire, Chris Dodd, Rachel Gorman, Bruce Horak, Kirsty Johnston, Yousef Kadoura, Christine Karcza, Landon Krentz, Petra Kuppers, LAL, Leah Lewis, Sage Lovell, Justin Many Fingers, Niall McNeil, Deborah Patterson, Adam Pottle, Matthew Poutney, Paul Power, Alan Shain, Brian Solomon, Jess Thom, Kazumi Tsuruoka, Jack Volpe, Adam Warren, Jess Watkins, Melisse Watson and many more!

Download The Republic of Inclusion Package (Word document or PDF document) for more information.

Please Note: Registration is now closed.