Using a sublime mixture of dancing, gesture, and sign language, Uganda Deaf Silent Theatre tells the story of a young man who is tricked into selling his pumpkins for a handful of seeds and ends up a hero. This 10-member group brings out more than the moral of this children’s folk tale; it also raises awareness about the lives of people who are deaf through story, ensemble, and movement.

A Closer Look—About the Company
Uganda Deaf Silent Theatre was founded by Uganda National Association of the Deaf and the Silent Theatre Sweden/Swedish Deaf Association in 2004.  The 11-member group consists of eight actors who are deaf, two interpreters, and one project leader trained in theatrical skills by Tyst Teater in Sweden.  The project is part of advocacy and lobbying for equal participation and inclusion of people who are deaf in society.  The objectives of the project are to raise awareness about the creative abilities of people who are deaf, to publicize sign language, and to sensitize people who are deaf about pertinent issues like HIV/AIDS and human rights.

About the 2010 International VSA Festival
This performance is presented as part of the 2010 International VSA Festival.  From June 6–12, 2010, VSA, the international organization on arts and disability, will bring together artists, educators, researchers, and policy makers with disabilities from around the world for a multicultural celebration of the arts and education. The Festival will feature visual, performing, literary, media artists, and a guest list that includes more than 2,000 participants from all corners of the globe.

For more information about the Festival, please click here.