TALK // Kevaughn Laing // Warren Murray // Fabric // Hippodrome // 5th February 2024
Talk Is a dance piece in R&D by Kevaughn Laing and Warren Murray performed at Fabric in the hippodrome.
Two men. Dancers. Artists. Raised in the same area. The only difference is that one of them is deaf.
The piece is a sublime blend mix of BSL, VV and dance, intertwined with a voiceover that acts as narrator and mediato,r as they playfully scrap over who gets to tell their story first. Much of the beauty of the piece is expressed through its humour which highlights the brotherly relationship the two have, which is clear to see in and outside of the performance. It continues with the retelling of how they first met – Kevaughn drinking a bottle of Warrens Fanta an unnarrated moment of the piece.
The movement feels fluid and in sync with each other which highlights the duality of the two men. Each a side of a coin, two peas in a pod, two halves of whole and all that jazz. In this space its not clear who is Deaf which seems to be a key part of this performance. It creates a level playing field where people can leave their preconceptions of deafness behind. No need for explanation when the body is a means of communication. The piece further highlights how ‘disabilities’ don’t look a certain way. Kevaughn’s Deafness and Warrens ADHD are quick to be labelled as disabilities in society but this piece couldn’t exist without those elements of the two men.
After the piece there is space for feedback and discussion and it becomes clear that the piece is not named talk for the witty title. It opens up a discourse about how people can bring visibility to deaf talent and educate others about the Deaf community. The answer is simple. Talk. There is a whole world of talent overlooked and unknown by hearing people and we are the ones who are missing out.
They explain how over the twelve days they exchanged skills to form the piece. Exchanging dance for BSL. Its clear that the piece could not have been made without communication and conversation and that the process becomes part of the product.
“Process of making the piece is the piece itself.” – Warren
There is discussion about how having parts of the piece left for the audience to figure out is reflective of how deaf people are left to navigate the world. This piece feels like it embodies form being an extension of content and truly showcases a whole range of talent.
Credits
Director/Choreographer – Warren Murray
Performers – Warren Murray and Kevaughn Laing
VV Specialist – Brian Duffy
Dramaturg – Sarah Butler
Producers – Deaf Explorer (Annalise McIntyre)
BSL Team – Rachael Veazey, Jen Schneider-Lau, Olivia Whitter, Laura Cutting, Shelley Croghan, Rachel Radford
Written by Ray VM.