The Light of the Deep is a Sumain-led physical theatre and Visual Vernacular (VV) performance that follows two archetypal figures, the Fisherperson and the Miner, on an epic, image-driven journey. Drawn together by a single glowing firefly, they struggle, collaborate, and transform as they seek either to possess or to share the light.

The Fisherperson pursues his catch, protective and stubborn. The Miner searches for gold, driven by the desire to share what they discover. Along the way, the light itself evolves, shifting from firefly, to moon, to lightning, to anglerfish bait, constantly testing their relationship and philosophies. Through puppetry, projection design, and richly detailed VV, the performance creates a dreamlike world of wetlands, caves, storms, and oceanic depths.

At its heart, The Light of the Deep asks: is light meant to be held close, or set free for others? Through physical storytelling experienced by both Deaf and hearing audiences, the performance explores themes of possession, generosity, and release.

In the final moments, both characters achieve what they sought, the Fisherperson catches a fish, and the Miner unearths gold, but realize their true task is to let the light go. What begins as a struggle over ownership resolves as a shared act of release, offering audiences a visually striking meditation on longing, freedom, and the beauty of letting go.

Runtime: 30 minutes

Advisories & Accessibility:

Themes of fear

The Treehouse is located on the third floor of cSPACE Marda Loop, which is a wheelchair accessible venue. 

If you are a wheelchair user, please select the wheelchair accessible ticket. 

If you are purchasing a wheelchair accessible ticket, please let us know in the notes if you will be accompanied by a non-wheelchair user. 

For more information about the accessibility of the venue, including a video walkthrough, please visit: https://www.puppetfestival.ca/accessibility/cspace-marda-loop

This presentation is part of our Incubator Series.