Belfast is set to hold its first Deaf Arts Festival to create opportunity, access, and inclusion to arts activities for integrated audiences.
Cre8 Theatre and c21 Theatre Company are pleased to announce that the inaugural Deaf Arts Festival NI will launch at the MAC, Belfast on the 6 and 7 May to coincide with Deaf Awareness Week 2023.
The festival has been co-founded by both local companies as a way to connect with d/Deaf communities across Northern Ireland and place deaf artists in central roles on the main stage.
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The festival kicks off in its first year with a theatre piece of brand-new writing from each company.
Cre8 Theatre presents a brand new modern musical adaption of the classic ‘Sleeping Beauty’ written by Sarah Lyle and Charis McRoberts, for children and families, featuring sign song, music, an interactive vibrational sound experience, and puppetry, played in a relaxed environment, making it accessible to all audiences.
c21 Theatre Company will offer ‘Expecting’, a play containing a series of interweaving monologues and duologues in both English and sign language by Belfast Playwright Charis McRoberts.
Both productions have been developed in collaboration with d/Deaf artist Paula Clarke and feature d/Deaf and hearing artists.
Artistic Director (c21 Theatre Company) Stephen Kelly said: “As an artistic director of a theatre company in Belfast, it is essential to keep accessibility within the arts at the forefront of what we do. With this inaugural festival, we have been given an opportunity to improve access and break down barriers together.
"Interacting with the d/Deaf community has been an integral part of this journey and long may it last.”
Artistic Director (Cre8 Theatre) Sarah Lyle said: “It has been an amazing experience collaborating with the d/Deaf community and inspiring young people in Northern Ireland.
"Creating a theatrical piece for all audiences that also offers access, inclusion, and integration for the d/Deaf community.”
Julie Stewart, Programming Officer at the MAC added: “We are so excited and privileged here in the MAC to be hosting such an exciting, inclusive and beautiful project. The collaborative process embraced by c21 Theatre Company, Cre8 Theatre and d/Deaf and hearing artists really speaks to our vision and aim to present theatre which is inclusive for all.
"We can’t wait to welcome d/Deaf and hearing audiences to see the work!"
After the festival both companies will embark on a tour of regional arts venues at which each of the new productions will be performed.
Paula Clarke, artist and performer, said: “This project is such an important one. For deaf artists and performers, it can be difficult to break through into mainstream arts as our language and culture are different.
"Being given a lead role in this project, we are able to showcase not only our wonderful language, culture and stories but also how integrated theatre can be done in a way that welcomes and includes everyone. And this is our belief - everyone regardless of language, background and culture has a place within the arts and a right to enjoy theatre fully.
"This is about sending a message to the deaf community to remind them that they too can achieve their dreams and to aim high. It's also a way of showing the arts world the unique perspective and value that deaf artists can bring to any production.”
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