‘Sumida River in Sign Language’ is a re-imagining of the classic Noh play ‘Sumida-gawa’ by Kanze Motomasa (c.1400-1432) which is premiered at Kings Place as part of the Noh Reimagined festival this summer.

In this unusual cross-cultural multimedia interpretation, the lead roles are taken by Deaf performers who sign in their respective languages of JSL (Japanese Sign Language) and BSL (British Sign Language) with voiced translation in English.

Chisato Minamimura plays the Mother searching for her son kidnapped by child traders, while Brian Duffy performs the Ferryman, who takes her across the river to meet her phantom child, danced by Stephanie Daw. Beibei Wang provides lively percussion, sometimes on the performers, and Verity Lane directs a multimedia show that includes video art and electronic soundscape.     

This unique production is inclusive and can be enjoyed by both d/Deaf and hearing audiences.

Entrance cost: £12.50 + £3 booking fee