“Category-defying”
—The Globe and Mail
Rainbow on Mars
by Devon Healey
An Outside the March Experience in co-production with The National Ballet of Canada and Peripheral Theatre
August 9 – 20, 2025
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Stream an audio version of the poster or download an audio version of the poster.
YOU WON’T BELIEVE YOUR EYES
You’ve never seen live performance like this. In fact you’ve probably never seen like this at all.
“What emerges most strongly from RAINBOW ON MARS is a seamless union of accessibility and artistry.”
—Sesaya Arts
“This Rainbow won’t leave my memory hard drive for a long time coming, and I’ll be forever grateful for the awakening.”
—Front Mezz Junkies
IMMERSIVE DESCRIPTIVE AUDIO (IDA)
Rainbow on Mars also marks the debut of Immersive Descriptive Audio (IDA). Created by Healey, this new accessible stagecraft practice is designed for Blind and sighted audience members alike, embedding a richer audio descriptive experience and sound design as a character within the narrative itself.
“IDA engages the stories of the eyes and shows how a blind perspective is an integral part of the human sensorium and of perception. It breaks with conventions of narrating only what is there to be seen and weaves together the internal thoughts and felt movements of the performers; their breath; the imaginary of the lighting, set, costume and sound designers; as well as me, the Blind artist. IDA is not merely a description of a performance; it is a performance!” – Devon Healey
The creation of IDA began with the development of RoM, including a work-in-progress presentation at 2021’s SummerWorks Festival. Following additional development with OtM and The National Ballet of Canada, in 2024 Healey and choreographer Binet took their exploration of IDA to The Royal Ballet in London, UK, applying their practice to the premiere of Binet’s Dark with Excessive Bright.
RoM was developed with the support of The TD Ready Commitment through OtM’s TD Forward March New Work Development Program, and by The Metcalf Foundation through its Staging Change program.
“RAINBOW ON MARS is one of those shows that I knew was going to stick with me even before intermission; there’s something about the care that went into its creation, the rawness of the story itself, and the awe-inspiring presentation that swept me off my feet. Thought provoking themes, poetic text, and an emotional ending will have you talking about this story long after you’ve left the theatre.”
—A View From the Box
AUDIENCE ADVISORY & ACCESSIBILITY
Review the Access and Venue Guide.
Listen to the audio poster or review the transcript.
Advisories: the performance includes strobe effects; haze; and loud noise. There are some lights at eye level and those with light sensitivity may wish to bring sunglasses. Contact boxoffice@outsidethemarch.ca for more information or to book a ticket in designated seats for light sensitive patrons.
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- August 9-20 2025
Ada Slaight Hall
Daniels Spectrum
585 Dundas St E
Toronto, ON M5A 2B7
