THEATRE REVIEW: Pete Blockey’s "The Lifetime of Deaf and Deafblind" is a wonderful mix of signed song, story-telling and performance.
You will not see a show that will fill you with more warmth. This is theatre that nourishes the soul.
Part of the Blue Room Theatre’s Summer Nights programme, Pete Blockey and Eddie Szczepanik are joined by hearing cast members Nathan Shaw, Sarah Green and Zac Blundell to shine the spotlight on deaf and deafblind culture. The audience is shown the challenges and joys of being deaf and deafblind, while celebrating the rich culture of the community.
At the end of the first song I erupted into cheer and clapping, but was glad to be shown the Auslan way to applaud (which involves holding your hands up and wiggling your fingers). It was a small thing, but it was fun to be exposed to something new which allowed me to show my appreciation to all the performers on stage.
It is perhaps unsurprising that the important messages don’t end there. The success of the NDIS, and the positive impact it has had on the lives of deaf and deafblind people is highlighted. But there is still more to be done. I was shocked to discover that there are only 2 psychologists in the state who know Auslan. Indeed, the focus on the benefits of learning Auslan makes you wonder why so few people know it.
But this show is first and foremost a celebration of the lives of Blockey and Szczepanik, and the richness of the often under-represented lives of deaf and deafblind people. Szczepanik and Eddie are brilliant physical performers who ooze wit and charm. The whole cast is strong, with the expressive, vibrant and naturally talented Shaw, Green and Blundell impressively supporting the two stars.
The final song is accompanied by a treat for the eyes, as the combination of blacklights and white gloves serves as a beautiful metaphor for the singular importance that signing hands have for deaf people.
Little wonder then that this show was sold out before the run even began. I do hope that it gets more shows soon, because it is something that deserves to be widely seen and appreciated.
I laughed, I learnt, and I loved it.
