New releases from Steve Swallow, Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts, and Ady Johnson
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Sign language lessons
SIMON PARSONS sees a powerfully instructive show on the prejudices faced by the deaf
When the ravages of Alzheimer’s leave an elderly woman marooned in painful memories of October 1950, her grandchild comes up with a creative strategy.
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SUE TURNER is compelled by a history that shows how far a country can turn in on itself to collude with abuses of power
RON JACOBS is persuaded by the parallel drawn between Charles Manson and Donald Trump
In this comparison of Britain pre- and post Thatcher, WILL POMORE applauds the analysis, but distrusts the solutions offered
MARIA DUARTE defends a solid, late-career Spielberg conspiracy flick that calls for empathy in a hostile world
Extraordinary Wall of Silence
Bristol Old Vic/Touring
FOR many, sign language is a barely comprehensible series of hand gestures delivered on the sidelines of a main event, addressed to an invisible audience. With Ad Infinitum’s latest production, it takes centre stage.
Based on many hours of interviews with deaf people, the company tackles their shameful treatment throughout history with this dynamic piece of physical theatre.
Starting from the 1880 Milan Conference on educating the deaf, where a resolution was passed banning sign language in schools, three narrative threads are woven together to investigate the destructive ramifications of such a decision.
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