Project Description

In 2022 I collaborated with Catherine Dunn (she/her) in undertaking our Warehouse Residency at Arts House to explore signed storytelling in a theatre setting that is inherently oppressive as it historically dictated by written texts of spoken language for the audience’s engagement through sound.

We utilised an Auslan-first approach in experimental script and scene developments sessions with five Deaf artists and experienced Auslan theatre makers. We created a space to explore beyond the influence and dictation of traditionally theatre written script development. The culmination was “More Than Words Can Say,” a public showcase reimagining the future of storytelling, Deaf accessibility, and the inclusion of sign language.

More Than Words Can Say is supported by City of Melbourne through Arts House.

Credits:

Led by Catherine Dunn and Sam Martin in collaboration with performers.

Performers: Raquel Fasano, Dan Fox, Julia Murphy, Karthik Vijanandam and Franco Spadea

Mentor: Jess Moody

Lab Facilitators: Jodee Mundy, Danni Wright and Salomon Gerber

Photos Credit:

Photographer: Jacinta Oaten