Paddy Ladd: Why you should see The Extraordinary Wall Of Silence on its nationwide tour

The arts have played an invaluable role in breaking down the walls of silence surrounding the oppression of minorities. But the Sign Language Peoples (SLPs) of the world still remain trapped behind the walls manned by those who pose as the ‘experts’ on their lives.

The full story of their existence as oppressed cultural communities has been documented by authors like Harlan Lane and myself, and in films such as Pictures In The Mind. Aspects of their oppression have also been composed in SignSong by performers like Signmark, and in SignPoetry by Paul Scott, Richard Carter, Donna Williams and others..

But the theatre world has not until now attempted to capture and present that story to the public. Important steps have been taken in terms of access, whilst Deafinitely Theatre and others have begun the process of telling aspects of those stories. It is also heartening and exciting to see so many Deaf actors now being able to display their talents in mainstream productions.

What has been missing are plays to which Deaf people and hearing allies can bring their friends and colleagues and say ‘Here ! This is the story of our oppression down the centuries’ in forms that will shock and inspire them to help in the task of actively breaking down those walls.

The highly regarded, radical Adinfinitum company has grasped that nettle. They have collaborated with Deaf and hearing creatives, actors, Deaf community leaders and academics, plus 40-hours of real-life testimonies from Deaf people across the UK, to create The Extraordinary Wall Of Silence.

Currently beginning its Spring tour, this first significant breach in that wall illustrates the vibrant nature of the Deafworld whilst bringing to light the shocking but engrossing history of its oppression.

It describes how the ideology of Oralism banned sign languages and Deaf teachers from schools all over the world, how generations of Deaf children have since been subjected to a totalitarian regime of speech alone, and if they dared to use Sign, were physically and mentally abused. It makes visible the negative effects on literacy, mental health, identity development, public behaviour and much more besides.

But it also celebrates how generations of Deaf children and adults have refused to be intimidated, have passed down their language underground through the generations, and maintained their communities and organisations.

Extraordinary Wall of Silence presents three generations of characters in Helen, Alan, and Graham, who illustrate how ‘the more things change, they more they have stayed the same’. Their struggle to question and challenge the oppression that surrounds them are presented in three powerful coming-of-age stories which have evoked both laughter and tears from audiences who have so far experienced the play.

It is impossible to understate the importance of this production in bringing to public attention the work needed to be undertaken in rescuing present and future generations of Deaf children, and rebuilding healthy Deaf communities. Do make the effort to seek out the play, spread the word, and play your part in breaking down that wall !

For more information and to book tickets: https://ad-infinitum.org/extraordinary-wall-of-silence/#tourdates

Paddy Ladd is an author and teacher. He will give a talk about the play and its relationship with Deafhood on February 15th during the Manchester run.