PREVIEWS
STAGE
EVERYDAY @ NORTHERN STAGE
Words: Helen Redfern Combining British Sign Language and spoken English in a unique bilingual style for deaf and hearing audiences, Deafinitely Theatre presents Everyday, a curious gathering of four people performing a ritual of community and catharsis, at Northern Stage on Tuesday 24th-Wednesday 25th June. Drawing on interviews with women and
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non-binary people exploring domestic abuse in the deaf community, nationally acclaimed writer and director Paula Garfield creates a witches’ coven like no other – with a cauldron of newts’ eyes and butterflies, deep scars and blazing signs. The cast of Fifi Garfield, Kelsey Gordon, Zoe McWhinney and Bea Webster together create a visually-rich, playful and pulsatingly urgent performance, proclaiming “We are warriors. We are survivors. If you need our help, let us know.” Commissioned by New Diorama Theatre, this defiant and empowering new work from Deafinitely Theatre marks the company’s 20th anniversary. Deafinitely Theatre has always been, and continues to be, a field leader in the
promotion of deaf led theatre. Artistic Director Paula Garfield believes there is much to celebrate: “We’re so thrilled to be breaking down taboos and stereotypes of deaf people and showing what we can achieve and what makes up our rich and diverse deaf community in 2022 and beyond.” Everyday will not be an everyday performance. Far from it. More like a revelatory glimpse into the everyday lives of the warriors and survivors who live amongst us. Everyday is at Northern Stage, Newcastle on Tuesday 24th-Wednesday 25th June. www.deafinitelytheatre.co.uk
