The Characters


Our cast of characters will grow as filming continues, but for now…

Screen Shot 2015-02-06 at 4.45.08 PM

Giacomo (Jack) Volpe

Jack was born Deaf and is the only Deaf person in his family. He graduated from Concordia University in Film Production in 2009 and uses both spoken and visual languages. He is one of the founding partners of  Seeing Voices Montreal (SVM), a community organization that raises D/deaf awareness through performing arts, education, and social interactions. Passionate about scriptwriting and directing, he is an expert in slapstick comedy. He currently works as a Personal Needs Caregiver, and also teaches ASL courses at MAB-Mackay Rehabilitation Center and Seeing Voices Montreal. He and Aselin recently organized the “Awakening Deaf Theatre Conference” in Montreal in November 2018.

Screen Shot 2015-02-06 at 4.44.57 PMAselin Weng, Founder and Executive Director

Now living in Montreal via a stint in Vancouver, Taiwan-born Aselin Weng co-founded Seeing Voices Montreal with Jack Volpe while working on her Master’s Degree in physiotherapy at McGill University.  Later admitted to McGill’s Faculty of Medicine, she is currently in her third year of Studies there.  Aselin served as producer for Seeing Voices Montreal production of the play “The Little Mermaid” and continues to run this non-profit organization.  She and Jack recently organized the “Awakening Deaf Theatre Conference” in Montreal in November 2018.

Screen Shot 2015-02-06 at 4.45.44 PM Vanessa Ferrer-Roy, the role of ASL Ursula

Born deaf, Vanessa’s first language was ASL until she received a cochlear implant at age 3 ½ . She grew up communicating orally and only started relearning ASL in recent years. We tracked Vanessa’s first time acting in ASL, and her challenges in feeling caught between the Deaf and hearing world.

Screen Shot 2015-02-06 at 4.45.36 PMSera Kessab, Digital Designer for The Little Mermaid

Born in Lebanon, Sera moved to Montreal at age 13. Deaf since birth, Sera learned American Sign Language in Canada. We followed Sera as she studied Visual Arts at Concordia University and brought her artistic vision to the play.

 

Screen Shot 2015-02-06 at 4.45.29 PM

Riki Shimoda, Artistic Director/Voice Actor

A student in Design for Theatre at Concordia University, Riki comes from a background in visual arts. He recently developed a passion for American Sign Language and Deaf culture. His challenge? Finding ways to make the play work on an artistic level for both hearing and Deaf audiences.

Screen Shot 2015-02-16 at 11.02.36 AMEricko Ampuero, Crew & Finance Coordinator

Born in Peru, Ericko is the only Deaf person in his family. He speaks Spanish, French, English and uses LSQ and ASL. His interest is  helping to break communication barriers. We followed Ericko off-stage as he faced challenges in finding employment in a world not used to hiring Deaf employees.

And some others you’ll meet in the series…

Remy Attig, Costume Designer

Jordan Goldman, ASL Interpreter/ Voice Actor

David Hall, Stage Actor

Lyanna Labelle Rocha, Stage Manager

Jarena Marie Lee, Voice Actor

Annie Noiseux-Lush, Stage Actor