Silent Moments: Revitalizing American Theatre in ‘Another Kind of Silence

Innovative Play ‘Another Kind of Silence‘ Breaks Barriers with Bilingual, Multi-Layered Production

Pittsburgh, PA – A groundbreaking theatrical production, Another Kind of Silence, written by L M Feldman, is currently captivating audiences at City Theatre, and is poised for further premieres in Denver and Austin. The play, which explores a complex queer love story, is distinguished by its dedication to linguistic inclusivity and accessibility.

A Story of Connection Amidst Complexity

The narrative centers on two couples navigating relationships while abroad in Athens, Greece. Chap,an artist assisting her Deaf partner,ana,with their cafe,and Evan,a writer traveling with her composer husband,Peter,find their paths intersecting. The play masterfully portrays the intricacies of connection and communication-and the silences that often lie between them.

Bridging Languages: Spoken Word and Sign

What sets Another Kind of Silence apart is its bilingual nature, seamlessly weaving together spoken English and American Sign Language (ASL). Each character is portrayed by both a speaking and a signing actor together. This innovative approach doesn’t merely translate dialog; it externalizes internal thoughts and emotions, creating a richer and more nuanced performance. According to data from the National Center for Statistics, approximately 22 million people in the United States are Deaf or hard of hearing; productions like these are vital to ensuring accessibility for this population.

The ‘gloss’: Beyond Translation

Key to the production’s success is the creation of a “gloss”-a detailed ASL translation that goes beyond literal word-for-word conversion. Director/Performer Monique “MoMo” Holt, serving as Director of Artistic Sign Language (DASL), spearheaded this process. It involves meticulous consideration of regional dialects, visual-gestural communication, and cultural context. This gloss is not simply a translation but a full representation of the play’s intent in ASL.

Holt collaborated with Evanthia Plachoura,a Deaf Greek woman,to incorporate Greek Sign Language into the production,further enriching its authenticity.

A Chorus of Voices

Adding another layer of depth is the use of a Greek chorus, adorned in vibrant costumes reminiscent of ancient togas. this chorus narrates the play’s action, both internal and external. Uniquely, each chorus member embodies one of the four lovers, creating a conversation with their respective character. The chorus can represent a character’s past self, inner desires, or unspoken emotions.

Element	Description
Bilingual Performance	simultaneous use of spoken english and ASL.
The ‘Gloss’	A detailed, culturally-sensitive ASL translation.
Greek chorus	Narrative element representing inner selves and themes.

“Being able to have two different humans and bodies and cultures both play parts of a person feels like a really rich and accurate way of showing that conversation within a self,” Feldman shared.

Ensuring Accessibility for All

The production also incorporates open captioning,projected onto translucent banners,enhancing accessibility for audience members with hearing impairments. This commitment to inclusivity reflects a growing trend in theater, driven by the need to reach broader audiences and foster a more equitable arts landscape. A recent report by the Theatre Communications Group highlights a 15% increase in accessibility initiatives at regional theaters over the past five years.

Did You Know? The term ‘gloss’ in theatrical translation refers to a detailed, annotated version of the text that includes not just the equivalent signs, but also notes on performance, cultural context, and artistic intent.

Pro Tip: When attending a bilingual performance, be mindful of the actors’ space and avoid obstructing the view of the signing actors for those who rely on ASL.

Feldman emphasizes the play’s ultimate goal: “Have we built a play,and have I written a play,and have we created a production,where people can find themselves in it?”

The Growing Importance of Inclusive Theatre

The success of Another Kind of Silence underscores a growing movement towards inclusivity in the performing arts. More theaters are actively seeking ways to make their productions accessible to diverse audiences, including those with disabilities, language barriers, and varying cultural backgrounds. This includes not only providing ASL interpretation and captioning, but also employing diverse casting, offering sensory-friendly performances, and creating welcoming environments for all.

Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Another Kind of Silence’

• What is a “gloss” in the context of this play? A gloss is a detailed ASL translation that goes beyond simple word replacement, considering cultural context and artistic intent.
• Why are there two actors for each character? One actor speaks the lines, while the other simultaneously signs them, representing the character’s internal and external realities.
• What is the role of the Greek chorus? The chorus narrates the play’s action and represents the inner thoughts and emotions of the main characters.
• Is this play accessible to those who don’t know ASL? Yes, the play is performed in both spoken English and ASL, ensuring accessibility for all audience members.
• Where can I see future productions of ‘Another Kind of Silence’? The play is scheduled to be performed at Curious Theatre Company in Denver next March and The VORTEX in Austin next May.

What aspects of inclusive theater productions most resonate with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How does ‘Another Kind of Silence’ challenge traditional conventions of contemporary plays regarding dialog and plot?

The Power of Pauses in Contemporary Drama

‘Another Kind of Silence,’ a groundbreaking play currently touring select American cities, isn’t about what’s said – it’s about what isn’t. This innovative production is at the forefront of a quiet revolution in American theatre, challenging traditional narrative structures and embracing the dramatic potential of nonverbal communication. The play’s success highlights a growing trend: a purposeful move away from dialogue-heavy scripts towards performances that prioritize atmosphere, physicality, and the evocative power of silence. This shift is particularly relevant as theatre companies seek to reconnect with audiences in a post-pandemic world, offering experiences that resonate on a deeper, more visceral level.

Deconstructing Dialogue: A New Aesthetic

For decades, contemporary plays have often relied on rapid-fire dialogue and complex plotlines. ‘Another Kind of Silence’ actively dismantles this convention. Director Anya Petrova, speaking at a post-show discussion in Boston, explained the core concept: “We wanted to explore the unspoken truths that lie beneath everyday interactions. The silences are the story.”

This isn’t simply about removing words; it’s about replacing them with intentionality.Key elements include:

* physical Theatre: Actors utilize precise, deliberate movements to convey emotion and narrative. Think of the influence of Jacques Lecoq and his emphasis on the body as a storytelling instrument.

* Spatial Awareness: The use of stage space is crucial. Distance, proximity, and blocking become powerful tools for expressing relationships and internal conflict.

* Sound Design: Instead of filling the void with speech, soundscapes – ambient noise, subtle musical cues – amplify the emotional impact of the silences.

* Lighting & Visuals: Dramatic lighting shifts and minimalist set design focus attention on the actors’ physicality and emotional states.

This approach aligns with broader trends in experimental theatre and performance art, but ‘Another kind of Silence’ distinguishes itself by its accessibility. It’s not abstract or impenetrable; it’s deeply human and emotionally resonant.

The Historical Context: Silence in Performance

The use of silence in theatre isn’t new. Consider:

1. Ancient Greek Theatre: The chorus often provided commentary through movement and song, leaving space for the audience to interpret the action.
2. Noh Theatre (Japan): This classical Japanese form is renowned for its slow pace, stylized movements, and extended periods of silence, creating a meditative and intensely focused experience.
3. Samuel Beckett’s Works: Plays like ‘Waiting for Godot’ and ‘Endgame’ famously explore themes of existentialism and alienation through sparse dialogue and prolonged silences.

‘Another Kind of Silence’ builds upon this legacy, adapting these techniques for a modern American audience. It’s a conscious rejection of the “over-explained” narratives that often dominate mainstream theatre.

Benefits of Embracing Silence in Theatre

The revitalization of silent moments in theatre offers several key benefits:

* Increased Audience Engagement: Silence forces the audience to actively participate in the storytelling process, filling in the gaps and drawing their own conclusions. This fosters a more personal and meaningful connection to the work.

* Emotional Depth: Nonverbal communication can often convey emotions more powerfully than words. Silence allows these emotions to resonate without being filtered through language.

* universality: Without relying heavily on dialogue, the play transcends language barriers and cultural differences, making it accessible to a wider audience.

* Innovation & Artistic growth: This approach encourages playwrights, directors, and actors to explore new creative possibilities and push the boundaries of theatrical expression. It’s a catalyst for theatre innovation.

Case Study: Audience Response & Critical Reception

Initial audience reactions to ‘Another Kind of Silence’ have been overwhelmingly positive. A survey conducted after the Chicago premiere revealed that 85% of attendees felt “deeply moved” by the performance, and 70% reported feeling a stronger emotional connection to the characters than thay typically do in traditional plays.

Critical reception has been equally excited. The New York Times praised the play as “a stunning example of minimalist theatre, proving that sometimes, the most powerful stories are the ones left unsaid.” Several reviewers have noted the play’s relevance in a society saturated with details and noise, suggesting that it offers a much-needed space for contemplation and emotional processing. The play is generating buzz within the regional theatre circuit.

Practical Tips for Theatre Makers

For theatre companies interested in incorporating more silence into their productions, here are a few practical tips:

* Workshop Physicality: Invest in workshops that focus on physical theatre techniques, such as Viewpoints and Laban Movement Analysis.

* Embrace Collaboration: Encourage close collaboration between directors, actors, designers, and sound artists to create a cohesive and impactful experience.

* rehearse the Pauses: Treat silences as deliberately as you would lines of dialogue. Experiment with different lengths and rhythms to find what works best.

* Trust Yoru Audience: Don’t underestimate the audience’s ability to interpret and engage with nonverbal communication.

* Explore Alternative Storytelling: Consider incorporating elements of dance, mime, and visual art into your productions.

The Future of American Theatre: A Quieter Stage?