Creation at the interface between deaf and hearing worlds: the journey of a maker, from theatre to literature, in search of accessible aesthetics and texts

Andrews, Deborah Louise (2013) Creation at the interface between deaf and hearing worlds: the journey of a maker, from theatre to literature, in search of accessible aesthetics and texts. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This thesis has three main components: an exegesis; a novel, Between the Signs; and an experimental essay entitled ‘An Essay, Performed’ (to include a paper version, and a pilot of an accessible performed reading – documentation of which is included with this thesis on DVD). An Introduction explains how these elements fit together to form a cohesive and integrated thesis, and details what is explored in each of the five sections of the exegesis.
The exegesis provides a creative perspective on, and a topical enquiry into, British and American Deaf literature, and addresses how my multidisciplinary background in theatre relates to, and helps illuminate an understanding of, Deaf literature. It considers how my understanding of Deaf literature has shaped my creative writing and, drawing on the work I undertook in theatre, investigates how other writers and practitioners could create more accessible texts. The exegesis includes a literature review; a reflection on writing Between the Signs; findings from two pieces of practice-as-research; and a field project in the form of five interviews with leading Deaf language artists in the UK. By generating unique creative insights into this underexplored literary vein, I produce a document that I believe will be of use to writers and practitioners who are creating Deaf characters or developing accessible texts.
Set in Scotland in the lead up to devolution, Between the Signs is inspired by my work as a theatre practitioner and my subsequent study of Deaf literature. It is rooted in the theatre world and follows Maddie, a young drama school graduate, in her quest for belonging. The novel engages with Deaf literature and culture on a thematic level, exploring the notion of dual identities and the limitations of all forms of human communication. It has particular emphasis on the visual.
The experimental essay, ‘An Essay, Performed’, is the result of one of my pieces of practice-as-research. It embodies elements of my practical, theoretical and literary enquiry; exemplifies some of my findings regarding accessible literature; and holds the key to where this work could go next. Extracts of this paper-based essay will be presented as a pilot of an accessible performed reading prior to the viva, and made available on DVD with this thesis.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Keywords: Creative Writing, Deaf, Theatre, Performance, Accessible, Exegesis, Experimental.
• Subjects: P Language and Literature > PR English literature
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > English Literature
• Supervisor's Name: Reeder, Dr. Elizabeth and Schmidt, Professor Michael
• Date of Award: 2013
• Embargo Date: 27 September 2017
• Depositing User: Ms Deborah L Andrews
• Unique ID: glathesis:2013-4606
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 15 Oct 2013 08:30
• Last Modified: 23 Oct 2024 15:30
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/4606