Scholarlink

This chapter examines a 2020 production of Macbeth by Connecticut’s Flock Theatre, which chose to have the Witches communicate in American Sign Language (ASL). It shows how, through the work of actor, ASL translator, and Sign Coach Alison Wetmur, this decision opened up new expressive and dramatic possibilities for the portrayal of these characters. The chapter also considers the new dynamics around accessibility and interpretation created by the fact that ASL users in the theatre could access and engage with the Witches’ dialogue in ways that other playgoers could not. This linguistically complex staging illuminates a range of ways to engage with early modern anxieties about witchcraft.

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Prophetic Gestures: Sinister Sign Language in the Flock Theatre’s Macbeth

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2025年

查看全文
  • Maureen McDonnell

摘要

This chapter examines a 2020 production of Macbeth by Connecticut’s Flock Theatre, which chose to have the Witches communicate in American Sign Language (ASL). It shows how, through the work of actor, ASL translator, and Sign Coach Alison Wetmur, this decision opened up new expressive and dramatic possibilities for the portrayal of these characters. The chapter also considers the new dynamics around accessibility and interpretation created by the fact that ASL users in the theatre could access and engage with the Witches’ dialogue in ways that other playgoers could not. This linguistically complex staging illuminates a range of ways to engage with early modern anxieties about witchcraft.