Through Deaf Eyes

By Ross Onley-Zerkel and Stephanie Linder
Photo of deaf writer Stef Linder

Earlier this year, five deaf writers presented Through Deaf Eyes at the Melbourne Writers Festival, a unique performance featuring deaf writers telling their stories in Auslan. Developed and directed by the deaf community, this groundbreaking work turns the tables and challenges the conventions, as Auslan interpreters translate this beautifully expressive language back to the audience.

The performance was developed in a series of workshops with Melbourne writer Arnold Zable. He said of the experience:

“A central paradox was soon evident. While deaf people cannot hear, they are more generous listeners than many who are blessed with hearing. And they are great storytellers. What they miss out on through lack of hearing they make up for with their visual acuity.”

Right Now is proud to present this video of two of the performances from Through Deaf Eyes. In the video below, Ross Onley-Zerkel and Stephanie Linder tell their remarkable stories of miscommunication, identity and human connection.

Watch the video on Vimeo here.

Through Deaf Eyes was supported by Arts Access Victoria, the City of Melbourne and Writers Victoria.

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