Scored in Silence
«Scored in Silence» is a solo sign language performance by London-based Deaf Japanese artist Chisato Minamimura. The show unpacks the hidden perspectives of Deaf people from the small number that survived the horrors of the atomic bomb atrocity in Japan in 1945. Survivors of the A-bomb are known as «hibakusha», and the final performance is based on a period of research, interviews and original films of elderly Deaf people with lived experiences of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Minamimura brings these untold narratives into stark relief, touching upon the atrocity of the event and its aftermath, including the layers of discrimination experienced by these isolated members of Japanese society. She creates an extremely compact montage of text, play, visual effects and sound, which can be experienced via bass belts.
Following the performance «Scored in Silence» on 29 May, there will be a discussion with the artist at 20:15.
Chisato Minamimura is a Deaf performance artist, choreographer and sign language art guide. Born in Japan, now based in London, she trained at Trinity Laban in London and holds a BA in Japanese Painting and MA from Yokohama National University. Minamimura approaches choreography and performance making from her unique perspective as a Deaf artist, experimenting with and exploring the visualisation of sound and music. By using dance and technology, Chisato aims to share her experiences of sensory perception and human encounters.
Easy Read
In 1945, two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan. They were announced and many people knew that they had to get to safety. Deaf people did not receive this information. Again and again, Deaf people are discriminated in this way. Chisato uses sign language, images, videos and sound to tell the story.
Sign Language
The performance is in Swiss German Sign Language (DSGS). It's translated into English spoken language and surtiteled in German.
For this event you can find an explanatory video in DSGS here.
For people with vision disabilities
An audio description is available on 30.5. It will contain the description and the surtitles in German will be read. You can get the headphones at the box office.
Audio description: Boni Koller and Elena Mptinsis (équipe chuchote)
Schlachthaus Theater is equipped with tactile ground surface indicators. If you attend the event with a service dog, you can of course bring it into the hall. Or you can leave your service dog in a separate room. If you wish to do this, please contact us in advance checkin@auawirleben.ch
Here you can find an Audio-trailer for the event.
Relaxed Performance
The performances are Relaxed Performances. The audience space is not completely darkened. There are no loud noises. The audience is allowed leave the room and come back in during the performance. The audience is not expected to sit completely still. Babies and children are welcome. There are some alternative seating options (wedges, cushions, etc.) available There are beanbags in the front row, which can be reserved via the ticket system.
The performance lasts 50 minutes, there is no interval.
There is a Relaxed Space at Schlachthaus Theater in the adjoing Theaterladen where you can retreat to at any time. It’s open when the venue is open. There you will find some beanbags, chairs, dimmed light and sensory tools. The Relaxed Space is signposted. The Relaxed Space is not wheelchair accessible.
For people with mobility disabilities
Schlachthaus Theater is accessible barrier-free and has a barrier-free toilet.
On 30.5. after the performance there will also be a barrier-free shuttle to the centre of Markus.
Surtitles etc.
The performance is in Swiss German Sign Language (DSGS). It's translated into English spoken language and surtiteled in German.
Special Check-In
At auawirleben you have the option of a Special Check-In. If for any reason you would like to avoid the crowded foyer, require a specific seat, need any mobility assistance or would like to be picked up at the bus station, please contact us in advance (checkin@auawirleben.ch). Someone from the team will accompany you according to your needs.
Access Friend
At Schlachthaus Theater you will find an Access Friend before, during and after the performances. This person is marked with a purple waistcoat. If you have any questions about accessibility or need assistance, please turn to the Access Friend.
Social Story
Social stories are used as a tool to prepare people for a social event such as a theatre performance. In our Social Stories, you will find a description for each performance, what situation to expect at the venue and what customs apply there. You can find the (German) Social Story of «Scored in Silence» as PDF here.
- Artistic Director & Performance
- Chisato Minamimura
- Producer
- Michael Kitchin
- Lightning Designer, Production Manager
- Jon Armstrong
- Animator
- Dave Packer
- Sonic Artist
- Danny Bright
- Audio Describer, Writer, Mentor
- William Elliot
- Vibrotactile Specialist
- David Bobier, Jim Ruxton (VibrafusionLab)
- Sign Mime Specialist
- Tetsuya Izaki
- Sign Language Mentor
- Steven Webb
- Coaching DSGS
- Nicole Scannell
- BSL Interpreter
- Anna Bolton
- German Surtitles
- Karen Witthuhn
Supported & Partnered by: VibrafusionLab, Fanshawe, Ovalhouse Theatre, Ditchling Museum of Art + Craft, Cuspinc