On a chilly, rainy April day, I find myself seated in the second row at Meridian Hall in downtown Toronto, eagerly awaiting the performance of Mattmac, a talented blind rapper/singer/producer hailing from Garden Hill First Nation. Known for his captivating pop melodies and introspective lyrics, Mattmac is about to grace the stage in just a few moments. Prior to the show, Rory McLeod, the executive and artistic director at Xenia Concerts, the event organizer, addresses the audience, outlining the details of the performance: Mattmac’s set will run for 50 minutes, and attendees are permitted to move around and make noise during the show, with a designated station outside for anyone feeling overwhelmed.
As a music critic who has attended numerous shows in recent years, my experience at this particular event holds special significance as a person living with a disability. The pre-show speech emphasizes the relaxed nature of the performance, underscoring the importance of accessibility.
Relaxed performances are tailored to support the neurodivergent community and individuals with physical disabilities who may encounter obstacles in attending conventional shows. These events are hosted at venues with wheelchair accessibility, offering sensory-friendly amenities such as blankets and noise-reducing headphones, along with a quiet space for those who may become overstimulated.
Marjorie Chan, the artistic director at Theatre Passe Muraille in Toronto, ensures that all their programming is inclusive for audiences with disabilities, fostering an environment where patrons can fully engage with the performance. Essential elements of creating a relaxed performance include maintaining some lighting in the theater for easy entrance and exit, encouraging audience interaction, providing sensory tools like noise-canceling headphones, and offering closed-captioning and audio description services for deaf or blind individuals.
Audiences are provided with a comprehensive description of the performance beforehand, allowing them to assess if the content aligns with their preferences or to prepare for any potentially triggering material. Additionally, various sensory-reducing equipment such as noise-reducing headphones, light-reducing sunglasses, and fidget toys or blankets are available at the venue, ensuring a comfortable experience for all attendees.
The concept of relaxed performances originated in the U.K. spearheaded by Jessica Thom, a comedian, theater artist, and disability activist with Tourette’s syndrome. Facing challenges attending traditional shows, Thom advocated for creating inclusive spaces for individuals with diverse needs, collaborating with organizations globally to promote accessible live performances.
While relaxed performances primarily cater to neurodivergent and disabled audiences, they offer benefits for everyone, including families with young children seeking a relaxed environment where movement and noise are welcomed. These events exemplify inclusivity and have inspired other organizations to embrace similar initiatives, promoting wider accessibility.
Xenia Concerts, founded in 2014 by members of the Cecilia String Quartet based in Toronto, was inspired to create sensory-friendly shows after a transformative experience performing in California for individuals with autism. By engaging with the autistic community, caregivers, and therapists, Xenia Concerts expanded its offerings to support various disabilities, hosting over 35 concerts annually.
Attending a relaxed performance offers a laid-back atmosphere compared to traditional venues, providing ample space for audience members to move around freely. The inclusive nature of these events benefits individuals of all backgrounds, fostering genuine connections between performers and attendees. Mattmac, reflecting on his experience as a performer with a disability, emphasizes feeling profoundly included on one of the most accessible stages he has encountered.
In conclusion, relaxed performances epitomize the power of accessibility, demonstrating that prioritizing inclusivity for one group ultimately enhances the experience for all. This transformative approach to live entertainment not only enriches the cultural landscape but also fosters a sense of belonging and connection among diverse audiences.