Deaf Performance
Guest curator Caroline Conlon explains the role of performance in Deaf communities, and how different types of performance have evolved through Australian Deaf history.
1889, September
In 1889, a group of deaf men in Melbourne called the Deaf and Dumb Young Men’s Mutual Improvement Society put on a performance for the deaf children at the Victorian Deaf and Dumb Institute. The performance included a signed song, a ‘farce’ or comical performance, and drawing sketches on a blackboard. The deaf children loved it! A newspaper reporter also loved it and wrote about it for a Melbourne newspaper.
1889
In 1889, the Deaf Mutes Cricket Club in Melbourne held a “Grand Variety Entertainment” to raise funds from the general public – this is the program. Some of the entertainment was provided by hearing people, such as singing, piano playing and reciting poems. Deaf people performed “living statues” and a deaf magician performed lots of conjuring tricks.
Deaf women pose as “living statues” showing well-known scenes (Melbourne)
1897
In 1897, the South Australian Institution for the Blind and Deaf and Dumb in Adelaide celebrated their diamond jubilee with a concert for the public. This is the hand-written program. There were several “Tableaux” (similar to “living statues”) performed by the deaf students.
1902
This 1902 “Unique Entertainment” was one of Ernest Abraham’s first ambitious fund-raising events in Melbourne. The detailed program lists the names of all the deaf performers involved.
Female Performers Group
A group of deaf women performers in Melbourne, early 20th century
Performers Group
A group of deaf women performers in Brisbane, posing with Samuel Showell, early 20th century.
1908
1900
1900
1900s
“One of the items which particularly interested the audience was a deaf and dumb recitation of ‘The Charge of the Light Brigade.’ Two members of the company went through the performance together, one by finger spelling and the other by signs and gestures, which were interpreted by a deaf man, who, prior to being instructed in the oral system, had also been regarded as dumb.”
This hymn, also called “Hymn for the Deaf and Dumb” was written by a British deaf man. We wonder why it is no longer popular?
An early film of a Victorian deaf woman signing the hymn “Nearer my God to thee”.
1934, October
In 1934 the Adult Deaf and Dumb Society of Victoria celebrated their 50th anniversary with this Jubilee concert. It included several signed songs, and a play in one act – “Who’s to Win Him?”. The cast, director and stage manager of the play were all deaf.
