Steph Bailey Scott: Why we created near future drama Martha, putting deaf stories centre stage

Martha can be seen at Sherman Theatre Cardiff until 21^st June before transferring to Pontio in Bangor 25^th-26^th June. More information here: www.takingflighttheatre.org.uk/martha

The idea for Martha began all the way back in 2020 when Elise (Davison, co-writer and Director) and I were discussing all things Deaf history – from the Deaf utopia that Martha’s Vineyard used to be, to the horrific stories of eugenics, to the lesser known stories of some incredible Deaf women. The common theme? Why does hardly anyone know these incredible stories? The show itself then went on a massive journey to become what it is today and I cannot wait to welcome audiences into Martha’s to see what it’s become.

Writing this we’re just heading into tech week, it’s been such a pleasure and a joy working in the room with so many Deafies along the way, both on stage and off. Everything I ever loved about the history of Martha’s Vineyard is just completely recreated in the rehearsal space; Deaf and hearing all together and SIGNING!

Although many of the team already know BSL (Elise has level 6 for example), Taking Flight arranged BSL lessons with Sarah Smith from Sarona training for those newer to BSL and that’s really rubbed off well on everyone in the space. The show itself also really celebrates communication in all its forms! I adored working with Deepa Shastri and Jeff Brattan-Wilson exploring this with Mary-Jayne, Alex Nowak and Amy Helena back in the very first R&D- especially when we were focusing on the historical variations of sign throughout time! And, of course, with Adam Bassett and Gabriella Leon during the second R&D too where time travel was abundant!

I had a sneaky peak of the set being built yesterday and it’s looking phenomenal. Carl  Davies (Designer) has created the DREAM costumes, if anyone asks why they’ve all gone missing as soon as the run is over… it wasn’t me (wink wink)…

From a personal perspective, I’ve learnt so much along the whole process. Elise has been such a guiding force with directing the piece as well as metaphorically holding my hand whilst I step into the assistant director role for the first time too! It’s incredible to get this insight into each and every aspect involved in this role. I always knew so much was involved but it’s been truly eye opening throughout the whole process. I can’t wait to put the learning into practise with Taking Flight’s youth theatre for Deaf and hoh young people too.

When I was at uni I was the only deafie in the room,  and now I get to be a part of making this magic happen with 5 Deafies (Amy Helena, Bea Webster, Cherie Gordon, Duffy and Rhiannon May) on stage, and more beyond… the sneak peaks I’ve seen from Ben Glovers captions are very exciting indeed…

The beauty of Martha is everything, and I cannot wait to share it with the world. We talk about role models being so important for young people (beyond the truth!); but we still need them as adults too- especially if we weren’t taught about them growing up, or if they aren’t widely known! I love that this passion for Deaf history has ignited itself into a show set in the future! If we don’t keep our history alive, it’s going to keep repeating itself.

Martha is a show that will resonate across many minority/oppressed cultures/ communities/ languages and with allies too, of course. We’re performing in both the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff and Pontio, Bangor… hope to see you there!

Steph Bailey Scott, co-writer, assistant director & BSL Director Martha

Steph is also Participation, Access & Inclusion Officer for Taking Flight Theatre Company which is based in Cardiff. As well as leading on training nd consultancy, Steph also leads the company’s youth theatre for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Young people, the first in Wales.

Martha is a Taking Flight Theatre production in association with Sherman Theatre Cardiff. The production and its development has been funded by Arts Council Wales, Unlimited, The Forrester Family Trust and Lloyds Bank Foundation.

Martha can be seen at Sherman Theatre Cardiff until 21^st June before transferring to Pontio in Bangor 25^th-26^th June. More information here: www.takingflighttheatre.org.uk/martha