Il teatro silenzioso: appunti e riflessioni intorno al teatro dei sordi

In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in the theatrical production related to the Deaf world. There are now many diversified projects, festivals, companies and laboratories that produce shows where Deaf and hearing performers are integrated, as well as dramaturgy that is immersed in the roots of Deaf culture. After some preliminary considerations on deafness, this paper aims to analyse the contexts of production and fruition of Deaf theatre starting from the pioneering experiences of the National Theatre of the Deaf (NTD) and the company “Senza parole” (Speechless) up to the most recent ones, represented by the Deaf West Theatre or the Laboratorio Zero. On the basis of examples from the Italian and the international contemporary scene, the author focuses on the relationship dynamics that can result from the encounter, in the theatrical context, between Deaf culture and hearing culture. In particular, the essay examines the specific identity of Deaf theatre and its function in the perspective of appreciation, recognition and integration of Deaf culture. Such a function is crucial in Italy, especially nowadays, as the Italian Sign Language (LIS) is not yet nationally recognised.