A visual voice: communicating without spoken language
Date
2012-01-17
Authors
Halley, Cherae
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Abstract
This research report titled A Visual Voice: Communicating without spoken language unpacks the
idea that theatre consists of multiple languages which can be used to integrate both Deaf and
hearing people as performers as well as audience members. This written component forms part
of a practice-based research performance project.
The practice-based research brings to the foreground the social and cultural structures of Deaf
people living in South Africa offering theatre as a means to explore levels of inequality for Deaf
communities.
The research analyzes specific local and international physical theatre companies in order to
construct a working method of its own for Deaf and hearing performers/creators. This context
provides a framework for the exploration of a suitable method for working with Deaf and
hearing performers.
With specific use of language in theatre, this research report offers an alternative way of
communicating from Deaf/hearing actor to Deaf/hearing spectator. Breaking down the walls of
either spoken or signed language, this research offers a visual theatre language to integrate multilingual
audiences.