Spotlight on deaf theatre

THE experience of disability and ability will be explored in a new solo performance set to take the stage at the capital in October.

Personal by artist Jodee Mundy will incorporate narrative techniques including performance, live art and, animation to tell her story of growing up as the child of a deaf adult.

Mundy’s performance makes use of childhood recollections to examine the concept of disability and her role as channel between her family and society.

Mundy, whose native language is Auslan with English as her second, said she couldn’t understand why sign language is still seen as less than being able to speak.

“As someone who grew up in a culturally and linguistically diverse community and also perceived as having a disability,” she said.

“There’s a lot of power and currency in being able to speak more than there is in being able to sign.”

The acclaimed performance has been nominated for several awards and is being staged by Bendigo Venues and Events.

BV&E manager Julie Amos said she was thrilled to present the work because of its artistic merit and alignment with Bendigo Venues and Events’ commitment to a fair and creative community.

“Staging this performance supports the delivery of key outcomes in the Council Plan and Healthy Greater Bendigo Public Health and Wellbeing Plan,” she said.

Personal is performed for Deaf and hearing audiences in English and Auslan, and will be on Wednesday October 4, 7.30pm at The Capital.

Tickets can be purchased via gotix.com.au or by phoning 5434 6100.