Keywords: solo show, theatre, dance, ASL
Juan Man Show is a high-energy solo performance that blends ASL, movement, dance, and storytelling. The work is rooted in Juan’s lived experience as a Deaf artist who moved from Colombia to Canada, navigating different cultures, languages, and identities.
Through personal stories, musical ASL interpretation, and physical expression, the performance explores what it means to grow up between worlds—Deaf and hearing, Colombian and Canadian—shaping a complex sense of belonging.
The work includes Spanish songs and rhythm-driven moments, where movement and signing connect with the beat, creating a fully visual and physical experience. It moves through moments of challenge, humour, and self-discovery, offering a direct and human connection with the audience.
Designed with minimal and adaptable technical needs, the show is easy to tour across a range of venues.
Alongside the performance, a high-energy ASL movement workshop is offered. Juan uses a follow-the-leader approach, making it easy to learn, fun, and accessible for everyone, including non-signers and first-time participants. The workshop includes musical ASL interpretation, body movement, and rhythm, encouraging participants to feel and express the beat visually. Participants may also be invited to join the performance finale on stage, creating a strong and memorable connection between artist and community.
About the Artist
Juan Jaramillo is a Deaf Colombian Canadian artistic director, writer, dancer, and performance artist. As the founder of Dancing Hands Theatre, he has over 30 years of experience creating ASL based performance that blends movement, storytelling, and visual expression.
His work has been presented across Canada, including the Sound Off Festival and other national stages. His productions include Fernando and His Llama Friend, which has toured internationally, But The Truth Is…, and his new solo performance Juan Man Show, which premiered at the Sound Off Festival in Edmonton.
Juan is the recipient of the Christine Karcza Disability Leadership Award (2025) and a Dora Mavor Moore Award nomination for Outstanding New Play (2023).
He creates work that centres Deaf lived experience and builds connection through performance, making space for Deaf artists and audiences to engage fully.
Media
Project Details
- Currently based in Milton, Ontario
- Access rider available
- Contact Juan for additional information and/or booking
