Deaf Gathering 2024: Extraordinary Wall o̶f̶ ̶S̶i̶l̶e̶n̶c̶e̶ + Panel Discussion

+ Q&A with David Ellington (performer) and George Mann (director)

Helen, Alan and Graham are told they’re impaired and need fixing. As they begin to question the world around them, three powerful, coming of age stories unfold uniting in a struggle against violence, ignorance and oppression. Connected through a shared past, the trio are transported to one pivotal moment in 1880 when a dangerous ideology was born: one that would impair the way the world views Deaf people.

Gleaned from 40 hours of testimonials collected from people all over the UK about their experiences of being Deaf, the resulting show is a potent and at times shocking piece of storytelling that relates the living history of oppression and misunderstanding of the Deaf community at the hands of the hearing.

Ad Infinitum combines the company’s signature style of physical storytelling with the beauty of British Sign Language in an unmissable feast for the senses. World premiered and performed at Bristol Old Vic in 2019 to critical acclaim (★★★★ The Guardian), Extraordinary Wall toured the UK and was made into a film for international screening at the Hong Kong No Limits Festival in 2022.

Extraordinary Wall o̶f̶ ̶S̶i̶l̶e̶n̶c̶e̶ is a bilingual performance in BSL and English.

Please be aware that the film contains references to sexual violence and mental illness.