Celebrating difference: play breaks new ground

5 February 2009
Can love bring two-star-crossed lovers together? A ground-breaking new play, on at BATS Theatre in Wellington from 14 to 18 February, combines two languages – the verbal English language and the visual New Zealand Sign Language.

Called Words Apart, the play is built around the themes of love and hate from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Ryan, a young Deaf man, and  Jules, who is hearing, struggle to convince both the Deaf and hearing communities that their love is real –  that love is more than just words. As Jules says, "There are no words to explain love. Love just is."

The play is the brainchild of Nicola Clements, who learned to sign as a hobby when she was studying at university. She is also directing the play.

“We want to portray Deaf culture not as a disability but as a difference that can be celebrated, included and equal,” she says. “We think this will be the first time in Wellington – and probably New Zealand – where New Zealand Sign Language and the English language are equal and integral parts of the play.”

The cast features both Deaf and hearing actors. Second-year Toi Whakaari student Ivana Palezevic plays Jules. Both Ivana and actor Sophia Elisabeth learned to sign over four months when they joined the cast.

“It’s such a fun language to do and the Deaf community is amazing – so welcoming and patient when you’re learning,” Ivana says. “It’s a really expressive language and for an actor, that’s so cool.”

For Sophia, New Zealand Sign Language is the seventh language she has learned. One of the challenges in learning to sign was ensuring her facial expressions were aligned with what her hands were saying.

The other cast members are Jared Flitcroft, who plays Ryan, and Isaac Heron, who plays Ben (Jules’ brother) and Ty (Ryan’s friend).

Steph Walker, Programme Manager of BATS Theatre, says she’s fascinated to see how the two languages will be communicated on an equal footing – not only between the actors but, of course, to the audience.

“The idea of a universal language, whether for the Deaf or the hearing, really appealed to me,” she says. “The whole initiative and all the work that’s gone into presenting the show is inspirational. BATS is excited to have an opportunity to welcome an audience we don’t normally get.”

The performance on Monday 16 February will be followed by a discussion between audience members and director, cast and crew.

Words Apart will also be performed in the Old Town Hall in Wellington on 9 May as part of the New Zealand Deaf Short Film Festival 2009 and New Zealand Sign Language Week, which  runs from 4 to 10 May.