Projects
Accessible Writers’ Lab
The Accessible Writers’ Lab is a national program, designed by Ophira Calof, creating space for 6 disabled writers to experiment with what an accessible writing process might look like for them. In the first edition, in 2022, together with the cohort writers, we developed 6 research questions that are discussed in detail in the program’s case study report along with our key takeaways, and held seminars with industry guests, focusing on accessibility and screenwriting.
Making Space: Stories of Disabled Youth in the GTA
Teenage years are often thought of as a time for exploration, rebellion, and asserting individuality. This program explores that pivotal period of life through the lens of Disability.
"Making Space: Stories of Disabled Youth in the GTA" is a two-part online storytelling event series curated and hosted by Ophira exploring the past and present experiences of disabled and chronically ill youth growing up in Toronto. Featuring personal narratives and artwork, this program is a space for recognition, solidarity, and celebration, exploring how the landscape for disabled youth has shifted over time. Watch Part One (Past) and Part Two (Present).
literally titanium:
In the age of body positivity, where does chronic illness fit? In this show, developed through the Buddies in Bad Times ECU and presented at Next Stage 2020, Ophira plays her body as a character finally getting its moment in the spotlight. Using music, comedy and storytelling she explores the relationship between her body and mind as they navigate a world that wasn’t built for them. Read more about the process behind this show here.
Generally Hospital:
Ophira co produced, wrote and performed in this multi-award winning sketch show that premiered at the Toronto Fringe festival in July of 2018, exploring the diverse experiences of people in a hospital setting. Featuring songs about death, rules for navigating the purge, and finding love in a room full of farts, this show is one not to be missed!
we’re not waiting:
Working with award winning photographer Chorong Kim, Ophira curated a photography exhibit celebrating the lives that people with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome have carved out for themselves. The exhibit ran for the month of February 2020 in honour of Jewish Disability Awareness and Inclusion Month at the Miles Nadal JCC.
Dis/Play
Dis/Play is a project that shines a light on over 50 disabled creatives telling their own stories, woven into a 10-minute multi-media display that was be projected onto unique exterior walls across Tkaronto in November 2021, with original musical accompaniment and embracing disability aesthetics.
Dis/Play was created by Ophira Calof in partnership with the ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto/Miles Nadal JCC as part of ArtWorxTO: Toronto’s Year of Public Art 2021-2022. Watch the final piece here.
slumber party:
Grab your favourite fuzzy socks, popcorn and m&ms, because it’s time for a SLUMBER PARTY! Each show, Ophira was joined by a new guest artist, to get a glimpse of their work and chat the hour away. The first season of this show ran live on YouTube, featuring integrated audio description, with a professionally captioned version released a week after each show.
ReelAbilities Film festival Curator and comedy coordinator:
Ophira was the curatorial committe lead for the 2022 ReelAbilities Film Festival Toronto, an online festival that put a spotlight on community and care. Highlights included drop in care clubs, the Accessible Production Masterclass with international knowledge sharing, and the screening of the powerful feature Unloved: Huronia’s Forgotten Children.
Additionally, Ophira has curated, produced, and hosted the comedy programming for Toronto’s ReelAbilities film festival. In May 2019, the show Laugh With RAFF featured a 2 act, sold out show at Crow’s Theatre celebrating the incredible comedic talent in the Deaf and Disability communities from across Ontario, and in 2020 the show moved online featuring talent from across North America to great success.
