Creating a Playscript in BSL
Exploring what it means to create a playscript conceived entirely in British Sign Language (BSL). In collaboration with Sheffield Theatres.
Daryl Jackson
The BSL script writing Lab took place w/c 1st December in collaboration with Sheffield Theatres, and four amazing d/Deaf artists, a visual storyteller, and a photographer. The performances were also video recorded for documentation, practice and reflection.
The ambition for the week was to create a script in BSL, recognising the innate creativity of this beautiful language. More often, scripts are devised in BSL and translated into English or written in English and translated into BSL. The two languages don’t operate in the same way so what is lost in translation?
The Lab therefore asked the question is it possible to write a script in BSL?
Is it possible to record that script so that it could be replicated and re-visited and fully reflect its BSL origins?
The week saw the creatives experimenting with different ways of recording, inventing new processes that pushed the questions further still. Ultimately, we reached the point where we wanted to know not if a script can be created in BSL (of course it can) but how, when you find a way of recording it that reflects its BSL origins and is true to them, can you leave room for the director and all other theatre professionals who bring the script to life, room to interpret and evolve the script so that it lives and breathes its BSL fully.
We would like to thank participating artist writer/actor Rinkoo Barpaga (Made in IndiaBritain), playwright Zoë McWhinney (Deaf Republic), critically-acclaimed BSL dramaturg Daryl Jackson, performer Colly Metcalfe, visual storyteller Beka Haytch, photographer Charlie Swinbourne and stage manager Mary-Jayne Russell de Clifford.
Findings from the Lab will be published in the coming months.
Acknowledgements
VX Labs is a three-year development programme that initiates new explorations of disabled-led practices, pursue disabled excellence and support intersectional practices within our sector, supported by research partner Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
With thanks to Attenborough Arts Centre, Bristol Old Vic, Half Moon Theatre, Phizzical Productions, Z-arts, and Sheffield Theatres for their support.
Read more about VX Labs and the findings from our national consultation in 2023.
