An exploration and showcase of authentic script development for Deaf storytelling.

Storytelling is at the core of all cultures; providing a connection between the past, present and future.

Historically, fictional productions which include sign language have often begun with scripts that use the written text of a spoken language (Kusters and Fenlon, 2022). This obstructs the Deaf community’s opportunity to share their stories authentically, as actors are influenced by the written text with the additional challenges of translating it to a performed sign language.

Throughout their Warehouse Residency, Catherine Dunn and Sam Martin explored how Deaf storytelling could be developed without the influence of the traditionally oppressive spoken language.

Collaborating with five Deaf artists – Raquel Fasano, Dan Fox, Julia Murphy, Karthik Vijanandam and Franco Spadea – they experimented with different methods utilised by Deaf theatre companies around the world. Artists participated in a series of workshops facilitated by experienced practitioners in Deaf theatre at both national and international levels.

Culminating in a public showcase, More Than Words Can Say features developed scenes of Deaf theatre in Auslan and artists discussions that invites everyone to reimagine the future of storytelling, Deaf accessibility and inclusion of sign language