We had the good fortune of connecting with Courage Bacchus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courage, why did you pursue a creative career?

“I began my track career at the age of 15, where I gained self-esteem and overcame barriers related to ableism and audism as a Deaf individual. In 2019, a longtime friend encouraged me to explore theatre, leading me to immerse myself in the world of theatre, mixed media, and body movement. Transitioning from being a Deaflympic sprinter, I found that both fitness and art have become my most effective forms of therapy.”

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

“This year, I took part in numerous art contracts, including my mixed media ‘I Am Courage’ exhibitions, contributing to published books, and performing in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. I also joined the Deaf Talent Creative Lab (DTCL) and won the 48-hour challenge for best creativity with my short film, ‘UNDO.’ I’m particularly proud of my solo and collective performances in Hamilton, Toronto, Halifax, Scotland, Colombia, and Winnipeg. I also overcame a challenging situation as a co-director, where I had to navigate microaggressions that triggered me.

I want the world to know that I am passionate about creating change through full accessibility and healthy collaboration across all forms of diversity—whether hearing, Deaf, or Disabled. I am an ideal candidate for working in the arts and fitness communities, offering adaptive accommodations for those who lack access or understanding of how to work with Deaf and Disabled individuals. Accessibility is the key to making a lasting impact!”

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here’s a polished version of your text:

“My best friend, Peacha—her nickname—has been close to me since we first met at the Deaflympics in 1993. When she flies in from Sweden, I plan to take her to St. Robinson’s on College Street for their Wednesday cocktail nights with live music. For lunch, we’ll head to Mona’s Roti in Scarborough to share my favorite curry goat or curry shrimp roti with Ting sparkling grapefruit soda. We’ll spend a day at Toronto Island, riding bikes, getting a tan, swimming at the topless beach, and enjoying a lunchbox from an Italian deli. We’ll also hang out at Stackt with my friends, eating from food trucks, chatting, having drinks, taking group photos, and playing cards. If time allows, we might even drive to Montreal for a two-night adventure.”

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

“My mom is my greatest inspiration, recognizing my role as a trailblazer and encouraging me to fully embrace my identity as a Tkaronto-Guyanese Black Deaf Woman. I also want to give full credit and recognition to the Wildseed Fellowship Arts and Activism program, which empowered me and helped me explore mixed media while deepening my understanding of my representation.”

Linkedin: Natasha Bacchus

Youtube: courage Bacchus

Other: Tik tok @courageb12

Image Credits
The event flyer credit by Jade Bryan Film and Edinburgh Fringe Festival

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