Naomi Wray: BSL interpretations of theatre shows make me proud to be deaf 

Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Picture Show is well known for breaking barriers and leading a revolution of liberation in the 90s. Fans of this show will visit, as I did, in full-blown costume.

This viewing is a safe space; don’t dream it, be it. As an audience member, you immediately have much in common with those sitting near and around you. There is no judgement here. What an appropriate show, then, to express acceptance of the deaf community.

BSL interpreted shows are incredible but rare: a signer stands to the side of the stage, visible for all, and accompanies the performance with sign language throughout the dialogue and songs. I was blown away by the talent of these people!

To relay and sign information so quickly and without missing a beat during a musical piece. As a sign language user myself, I even learned new signs I never before would have known. When have you ever signed ‘hot patootie’?

There is a sign language alternative to applause; we shake our hands gently like ‘silent jazz hands’ to show our appreciation, since making sounds by clapping is far less applause to those who cannot hear the sound.

While this is widely known, seeing the majority of the audience applaud this way along with the cast in their final bows moved me to tears. A whole audience using the language I use! 

I have spent much of my life sitting outside the circle, seeing the joke go by and faking a laugh so as to not draw attention to the fact that I cannot hear what is going on. The actors of this performance did a tremendous job involving the interpreter with the performance, which in turn reflected the acceptance and inclusion of the deaf community.

They had such joy including them in the narrative and involving the audience along with the signer. This meant all audience members – BSL users or not – could join in on the joke. After all, when the deaf community are asking for acceptance and inclusion from society, what sense does it make to shut out the ‘hearing’ people in the process?

Seeing people not in the deaf community use sign language immediately tells me that you are aware of me, accept me and want to include me. Why are there not more shows like this? Why are interpreted performances a bad choice for ticket sales?

For any show near you, whether hearing or hard-of-hearing, I implore you to buy a ticket to see a BSL interpreted show and send this message of inclusion to all in our community.