The Rise of Inclusive Performances: Kintsugi and the Future of Accessible Arts
A groundbreaking initiative is underway at TOHU in Montreal, where Danse-Cité is piloting the first-ever live audio description of a circus performance in Quebec. This project, centered around Machine de Cirque’s Kintsugi, marks a significant step towards greater inclusivity in the performing arts, opening up these experiences to audiences who are blind or visually impaired.
Beyond Theatre: Expanding Audio Description to Circus Arts
Audio description, traditionally used in theatre, is now being adapted for the unique challenges of circus arts. The fast-paced action, complex acrobatics, and specialized equipment require a new approach to ensure that visually impaired audience members can fully experience the spectacle. Danse-Cité is addressing this by providing pre-indicate backstage tours, tactile workshops, and detailed descriptions delivered by two trained describers – Alida Esmail and Emmalie Ruest – who will share the responsibility of narrating the performance in real-time.
The team is focused on conveying not just the actions, but also the emotional impact and artistry of the performance. As Alida Esmail notes, the challenge lies in “guiding this public without frustrating them.”
Kintsugi: A Metaphor for Inclusivity
The choice of Kintsugi as the inaugural performance is particularly fitting. The show’s central theme – the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, highlighting imperfections – serves as a powerful metaphor for inclusivity and celebrating differences. The performance itself explores themes of connection and finding beauty in unexpected places, resonating with the goal of making art accessible to all.
A Growing Movement: From Dance to Circus
Danse-Cité began exploring accessibility initiatives in 2019, initially focusing on dance performances. Since 2021, they have successfully audio-described around twenty dance shows in Quebec, collaborating with theatres like Duceppe and Rideau Vert. This expansion into circus arts represents a natural progression, driven by a commitment to broaden access to live performance.
The success of these initiatives relies on specialized training. Danse-Cité has trained six individuals in Montreal, including Esmail and Ruest, to become skilled audio describers. They also received guidance from a French expert, Valérie Castan, to refine their techniques.
The Technical Challenges of Describing Motion
Describing a circus performance presents unique technical hurdles. The speed and complexity of the acrobatics demand precise and evocative language. Describers must be able to quickly convey spatial relationships, body positions, and the overall flow of movement. The pre-show workshop, allowing audience members to touch the equipment, is a crucial element in building their understanding and visualization.
The goal, as Maud Mazo-Rothenbühler, Director of Development and Communications at Danse-Cité, explains, is to “transmit the vertigo, the risk and the wow effect of the circus arts.”
The Future of Accessible Live Performance
Expanding Beyond Audio Description
While audio description is a critical step, the future of accessible live performance extends beyond this single technique. Other innovations include:
- Haptic Suits: These suits use vibrations and pressure to simulate physical sensations, potentially allowing audience members to “feel” the movements and impacts of a performance.
- Sensory Environments: Creating immersive environments that engage multiple senses – smell, touch, and sound – can enhance the experience for audiences with visual impairments.
- Relaxed Performances: These performances are designed to be more welcoming to individuals with autism or sensory sensitivities, with adjustments to lighting, sound, and audience expectations.
- Digital Accessibility: Providing detailed program notes, captions, and transcripts online can extend the reach of performances to a wider audience.
The Role of Technology
Artificial intelligence (AI) is also beginning to play a role in accessibility. AI-powered tools can automatically generate captions and transcripts, and even assist with audio description. But, human expertise remains essential to ensure accuracy, nuance, and artistic sensitivity.
The Economic Benefits of Inclusivity
Investing in accessibility is not only ethically sound but also economically beneficial. Expanding the potential audience for live performances can increase revenue and create new opportunities for artists and cultural organizations. Inclusive practices can enhance the reputation of a venue or organization, attracting a more diverse and engaged audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is audio description?
Audio description is a narration track that describes the visual elements of a performance, such as actions, settings, and costumes, for audiences who are blind or visually impaired.
Where can I learn more about Danse-Cité?
You can find more information about Danse-Cité and their accessibility initiatives on their website: TOHU.
Is Kintsugi accessible to everyone?
The performance of Kintsugi on February 21, 2026, will feature live audio description. The TOHU venue is also working to improve its overall accessibility for all patrons.
Pro Tip: When attending a performance with audio description, arrive early to familiarize yourself with the equipment and ask any questions you may have.
What are your thoughts on making live performances more accessible? Share your ideas in the comments below!
