Albert Andiseni-Mashingaidze
Under the theme of love and trust, the Bulawayo Deaf Community launched the deaf awareness campaign 2024 at Gweru Theater highlighting challenges faced by deaf individuals in police stations and hospitals.
The campaign which kicked off with a poignant theatre performance aims to raise awareness about the barriers that prevent deaf people from accessing essential services, particularly in situations of listening to music.
Rosemary (Deaf) remarked “Deaf people can do anything, so maybe someone would be
thinking how a deaf person can dance, how do they do music, firstly is the vibration for the lyrics and the voice we work with sign language interpreters so that we understand the music better”
Through a series of sad scenes, the play brings to life the real-life experiences of deaf individuals who have faced discrimination, misunderstanding and neglect in police stations and hospitals.
The production features a talented cast of deaf actors, who deliver powerful performances that convey the frustration, fear and resilience of the deaf community.
The play opens with a scene depicting a deaf individual who is arrested of rape and taken to the police station. Despite his failure repeated requests for an interpreter because of the handcuffs in his hands. The accused deaf person is left to navigate the complex legal system without adequate support, leading to a harrowing experience.
The campaign also shows the struggles faced by deaf individuals in healthcare settings, where clear communication is critical. A scene shows a deaf woman facing challenges communicating with the doctor about the prescription leading to a traumatic experience
The second half of the play took a dramatic turn as the deaf community came together to
demand change and accessibility. The performance ends with a powerful message.