DEAFINITELY THEATRE’S WORLD PREMIERE OF THE PROMISE COMING TO THE REP THIS APRIL
Birmingham Rep’s striking world premiere, made in association with acclaimed British theatre company Deafinitely Theatre (The Vagina Monologues, Everyday and 4.48 Psychosis) and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre will play in The Door from Saturday 6 April for a limited run only. Written by Deafinitely Theatre’s Artistic Director Paula Garfield and Melissa Mostyn. The Promise is a new play inspired by the extraordinary experiences of deaf people living with dementia. The production is also directed by Garfield in the company’s renowned highly visual style combining British Sign Language and Spoken English.
The play highlights how dementia affects those in the deaf community and their families through Spoken English and British Sign Language (BSL).
Rita is really confused.
She can’t understand why the deaf education system she’s tirelessly championed throughout her teaching career is getting worse and worse, or why there is only one care home in the whole of England that looks after people in her language. On the Isle of Wight.
She’s also confused about where her family is, and why she can’t remember where the milk goes…
Garfield, said “The idea for The Promise has been in my mind for a long time, influenced by my family’s experience with dementia. Melissa and I have dedicated over two years crafting and refining the play from our personal perspectives and working closely with the deaf community. I can’t wait to collaborate with this outstanding cast and look forward to getting stuck in to exploring family dynamics and the strength of human connections when rehearsals start in March.”
Melissa Mostyn adds “I feel privileged to be working with Deafinitely Theatre as co-writer of The Promise, a heartfelt story about a deaf family grappling with the effects of dementia. Their standards are high, and the cast they’ve just announced are exemplary. Having seen the actors at work, I’m beyond excited to see them bring The Promise to life.”
Garfield directs James Boyle, Erin Hutching, Louis Neethling and Anna Seymour. Completing the creative team are Paul Burgess (Set & Costume Design), Holly Ellis (Lighting Design), Marie Zschommler (Sound Design) and Ben Glover (AV Design).
The Promise opens here at The Rep from Sat 6 to Sat 13 May. Tickets are on sale from £10, to book tickets visit Birmingham-rep.co.uk or call 0121 236 4455.*