The Lifetime of the Deaf and Deafblind is a moving and humorous exploration of how the Deaf and Deafblind community move through life. A song about being invisible opens the show as the five cast members take the stage and sign to the song, with each performer taking a solo moment to sign certain verses.
Director and performer Peter Blockley takes us from the song into a monologue where he introduces himself and explains the meaning of the song. The message is clear, as we all go through our day-to-day activities, we don’t know who is deaf or deafblind. We live in a world that is built with very few considerations for them. For those who do not know Auslan, Peter’s words are interpreted by an interpreter who sits in the front row of theatre along with the audience.
We’re then taken to a scene from Peter’s early life where his parents discover he is deaf. His doctor then recommends his parents send Peter to a language program where he’ll “learn to speak” verbally instead of sign.
Peter eventually meets Eddie Szczepanik, a new friend, who is also deaf. Eddie introduces Peter to the deaf community and to Auslan. The show then simultaneously tells both of their stories, showing snippets of their lives as they navigate challenges such as getting a driver’s license. Eddie discovers he’s deafblind after realising he’s losing his sight. This further opens the conversation to what life is like as a person who is deafblind and the support someone like Eddie requires.
The Lifetime of the Deaf and Deafblind
The show has a repeating format of song, monologue, and scene/s. Each song is specially crafted to convey a particular element of life as someone who is deaf or deafblind. The music is very well-written and produced, perfectly encapsulating the show’s themes.
I greatly enjoyed the monologues and one-on-one moments with the performers. Peter seemed so at ease during his solo moments and offered more insight into his life and experiences, maintaining a witty tone throughout.
On stage Eddie and Peter are supported by an ensemble including Zac Blundell, Nathan Shaw and Sarah Green who embrace a range of characters. At the end of the show Peter encourages each of the cast to introduce themselves and explain how they came to learn Auslan. The personal element of this show is truly a highlight. It’s so rare we get to feel so connected to performers. This special connection enhances the experience and storytelling.
Another highlight is the range of wigs the performers switch between to indicate the era they’re in and the passage of time. Got to love a long and extravagant mullet! This simple design element aligns well with the show’s overall uplifting and comical spirit.
The Lifetime of the Deaf and Deafblind serves a dual purpose. For those in the deaf and deafblind communities they very rarely get to see their stories told on stage or on screen. They will be able to relate to and identify with the stories told in this show. For others, like me, the show is insight into a world I know so little about, but I’m motivated to know more of.
The Lifetime of the Deaf and Deafblind is on at Fringe Feb 10-11.