Ahead of their 20th anniversary in 2022 and the world première Everyday, Deafinitely Theatre, in association with Paines Plough, today announce a new initiative, Talking Hands, which launches with three new short films performed in British Sign Language.
The creation of these three short films throughout the pandemic extends Deafinitely Theatre’s commitment to providing opportunities to deaf artists at a time when creating live theatre wasn’t possible.
Directed by Paula Garfield, the films are I Still Blame Myself by Lianne Herbert, starring Kelsey Gordon; Keeping Hope by Melissa Mostyn starring Nadia Nadarajah; and Lockdown Hairy written and performed by EJ Raymond. Talking Hands will be available at http://www.deafinitelytheatre.co.uk/talking-hands.
Locked down in 2020, three deaf single parents are adapting to a new way of living. Lianne finds it difficult to get her little boy out of bed every morning, let alone home school maths when he’d prefer YouTube Kids.
On the other side of the UK, a mother has a team of carers for her disabled daughter reduced to the help of one – her nine-year-old son.
And with too much time on their hands, EJ is reflecting on big boobs, hairy legs, and a life-changing decision.
Paula Garfield, Artistic Director of Deafinitely Theatre, said today “It is my honour to finally share Talking Hands with audiences. The release of these three short films proves not only the tenacity of deaf artists during the pandemic but also revealed new and dynamic ways in which Deafinitely
Theatre has thrived when live theatre hasn’t been possible. This is owed entirely to the sheer artistry of those who made Talking Hands happen. It is my hope that sharing these monologues shines a spotlight on the challenges and joy of being a deaf or hard of hearing parent whilst revealing the phenomenal talent and adaptability of our artists, and I cannot wait to share them with audiences.”
