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Toronto - Théâtre français de Toronto (TfT) is proud to co-present Joe Jack et John’s Cispersonnages en quête d'auteurice with Théâtre Passe Muraille. The show will run from April 24 to 27, 2025 at Théâtre Passe Muraille (16 Ryerson Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2P3) and marks the very first collaboration between these two Toronto theatrical institutions.

SYNOPSIS:  Five neurodivergent performers gather in a rehearsal studio to kick off a new creative process. But when they realize they can’t put on the unicorn show they originally envisioned—because, well, they’re not unicorns—they each start pitching ideas to break through the creative block. Torn between their artistic ambitions and a tangle of ethical dilemmas, they soon realize they’re treading on a minefield, with their creative freedom feeling more and more restricted. So who can help them out of this mess? An actor? A magical unicorn? Or maybe… a little bit of both?

Since 2003, Montreal-based Joe Jack et John has been creating engaging and innovative theatrical works, shaped by collective writing and carried out by inclusive teams. The company features professional artists from a variety of backgrounds, including neurodivergent and artists with intellectual disabilities. For 22 years, the company has been developing accessible and ethical creative processes, based on interdependence, self-determination and stage writing, in order to bring out free and authentic voices. The theatre pushes the boundaries of representation and actively contributes to the recognition of under-represented artists.

"Intrigued by how social and identity-based demands have evolved in the public sphere in recent years, I began exploring these issues in 2021—reading about ethics, morality, the "rise of political correctness in art," and the "shrinking of our freedoms." I often felt that the conversations around these identity struggles and ideological shifts toward greater equity and inclusion were incredibly exclusive. And while many of my neurodivergent colleagues deserved a seat at the table, these discussions were anything but accessible—full of complex arguments, rapidly shifting vocabulary, and layers of nuance and references that made them difficult to follow."
- Catherine Bourgeois,  co-creator

With Cispersonnages en quête d'auteurice, Joe Jack et John continue their exploration of the limits and contradictions of the artistic world, while highlighting the dynamics of inclusion and representation. Don't miss this comedy that doesn't pretend to provide answers, but, on the contrary, gleefully adds to the confusion!

Text by Catherine Bourgeois in collaboration with Edon Descollines, Jean-François Huppé, Hubert Lemire, Michael Nimbley, Audrey Talbot, Anne Tremblay, Pénélope Bourque, Louis Girandello, Maryline Chery, Guy-Philippe Côté, Pénélope Goulet-Simard.
Stage direction and set design Catherine Bourgeois | Cast Maryline Chery, Guy-Philippe Côté, Edon Descollines, Pénélope Goulet-Simard, Hubert Lemire, Michael Nimbley, Audrey Talbot | Costume Design and Set Design Amy Keith | Lighting Design Jean Jauvin | Sound Design Alexander MacSween | Dramaturgy Consultant Sara Fauteux | Surtitle Translation Bobby Theodore | Acting Coaching and Accompaniment Paul Charbonneau | Directing assistance Alexie Pommier | Set design assistance Alizée Milot | Costume design assistance Carolie Delisle | Production management Pénélope Bourque | Technical management Lindsay Morneau | Sound Andréa Marsolais-Roy | Stage Manager Audrey Belzile | Production photos Thibault Carron
Performance dates and times : April 24 to 27, 2025 at Théâtre Passe Muraille (16 Ryerson Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2P3).
Opening Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Weekday performances at 7:30 p.m. (except Mondays and Tuesdays).
Saturday, April 26 at 3 p.m. and Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m.
Running time: 75 minutes
Rates: Regular: 60  $|Golden Age: 50  $|Under 30s and Artists: 22.50  $|Same-day last-minute tickets: $15, $20
or 25 $| Group rate (8 or more): $20 per ticket
Box office: 416-534-6604 or theatrefrancais.com