Deafy is written and performed by professional Deaf performing artist Chris Dodd.
The play revolves around a Deaf public speaker, Nathan Jesper, who has arrived at his speaking venue desperately late. As he launches into his speech, he soon realizes that things are not what they seem. The play weaves an oddly surreal narrative that unwinds as the audience discovers it, leading to an ultimate resolution that leaves more questions than answers. Although serious, the play is very funny and audiences always react to it enthusiastically. The production blends ASL, speech, and captions, to create a seamless blend of communication that makes the play accessible for all audiences, hearing and Deaf alike.
The play was first developed as part of SummerWorks in 2019 and after a pause for the pandemic, it landed at the Citadel Theatre for its first professional production for three weeks in the Rice Theatre as part of their Highwire Series. Since then, we have been touring the show across Canada with a variety of companies including MT Space, Intrepid Theatre, the Public Energy Theatre, Theatre Pi and the Harbourfront Centre. Recent performances for include Calgary's Inside Out Theatre and the Banff Centre for the Arts and Creativity. We also have toured this play internationally to the Het Nationale Theatre in The Hague, Netherlands. We are in discussions for a number of future international performances over the next two years and we will continue to tour within Canada during that time.
The script has been published by Playwrights Canada Press under the title "Interdependent Magic: Disability Performance in Canada", which made me the first Deaf playwright to be published by them.
The play is directed by MFA-trained director and actor, Ashley Wright and features sound design by Edmonton composer Dave Clarke, as well as movement design by Edmonton-based choreographer Ainsley Hillyard.
The play is very well suited for touring and the set consists of just a chair. The only specific requirements are a projection screen and a projector. The touring party is small, consisting of just the actor, a stage manager, a lighting designer (who doubles as the surtitlist), and optionally the director.
The show runs 60 minutes without intermission and is suitable for audiences 12+ with warnings for strong language.
Project Details
- Currently based in Edmonton, Alberta
- Access rider available
- Budget available
- Contact Chris for archival link of performance, additional information and/or booking
About the Artist
Chris Dodd is an Edmonton based Deaf performing artist, playwright, accessibility advocate and Governor General Innovation Award finalist.
He is the founder and artistic director of SOUND OFF, Canada’s national theatre festival dedicated to the Deaf performing arts. He has an excellent understanding of the challenges faced by those with disabilities and he has worked for the University of Alberta for more than 20 years as an Adaptive Technologist, helping individuals with wide range of disabilities solve their challenges through technology.
He works across Canada as a consultant for accessibility and Deaf and Disability Arts. Chris holds a degree from the University of Alberta’s Drama program. He is the recipient of the Guy Laliberté Prize for innovation and creative leadership by the Canada Council of the Arts.
