1 Oct 2026
2026: Upstage talks THE SOUND OF DOGS
Episode Notes
Written by Montréal playwright and actor Jennifer Roberts, THE SOUND OF DOGS is a deeply personal and absurdly witty new work that has been years in the making. Roberts first began developing the piece a decade ago, and was a part of Imago Theatre’s Creators Circle play development program during the 2021–22 season. Now, it's on stage for its highly anticipated world premiere.
The production is co-directed by Micheline Chevrier and Pamela Witcher. Chevrier returns to Imago after serving as the company’s Artistic and Executive Director and co-directing its award-winning 2023 production of Redbone Coonhound.
“It is very special to have Micheline Chevrier back to co-direct THE SOUND OF DOGS with Pamela Witcher. Jennifer’s work is a playful journey into the world of a CODA and I hope it brings our audiences closer to understanding and embracing Deaf Culture,” says Krista Jackson, Imago Theatre’s Artistic and Executive Director.
Witcher comes to the production with experiences from the signed music, videography, and visual art fields. Her work and artistry lends the production a unique, out-of-the-box perspective, especially from a community-centred lens.
Projection designer Amelia Scott, Set, Costumes, and Props designer Diana Uribe, and actor Jennifer Manning previously collaborated with Roberts and Chevrier at Imago on Upside Down, a series of narrative and documentary films exploring accessibility, digital theatre, and the creative process. Available to stream for free on Imago Theatre’s website, Upside Down offers audiences an informative companion piece to THE SOUND OF DOGS.
With its distinctive blend of humour, humanity, and visual storytelling, THE SOUND OF DOGS brings together a remarkable group of Deaf and hearing artists from across Canada for a world premiere that promises to be touchingly reflective for audiences.
ABOUT THE PLAY
What’s it like to have Deaf parents? A wry investigation.
CODA is a hearing child of Deaf parents. She has always seen her life as normal despite being told otherwise. Again. And again. And again.
In an attempt to explain her life to curious outsiders, CODA invites us into her world, as she traces the not-so-distant histories that have shaped her family and community. Through Deaf cultural storytelling and humour, she shares personal stories and pushes back against the assumptions made about her parents.
Blending American Sign Language, spoken English, and movement within a vivid digital landscape, THE SOUND OF DOGS builds a layered world of expression and connection. Both intimate and expansive, it celebrates the beauty and complexity of Deaf culture (with a touch of mischief).
In keeping with Imago Theatre’s commitment to accessibility, all performances offer Pay-What-You-Decide tickets, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent anyone from engaging with the performing arts.
DETAILS
What: THE SOUND OF DOGS by Jennifer Roberts
When: October 1-10, 2026
Where: Centaur Theatre
Runtime: 90 minutes, no intermission
Tickets: Regular $34 | Arts Workers and Seniors $25 | Pay-What-You-Decide options available
This is a bilingual production with all performances presented in a blend of American Sign Language (ASL), spoken English, and English captions.
Content Warning: Recommended for ages 12+. Occasional strong coarse language. There are mentions of audism, ableism, discrimination, prejudice, and stereotyping in flashbacks and vignettes that illustrate misconceptions about the Deaf community.
