I was intrigued when I read that this theatre piece ‘Deafinite Connection’ was written and would be performed by deaf artist Peter Blockey. Apparently, lots of people were too, as the Economics Room at Girls School was nearly full. We were not disappointed. The cast of six comes out in psychedelic 70s costumes, dancing and signing to original music. It was a hoot.

The best parts were the quieter bits, when Peter or ‘P block’ (his sign name) comes onstage to ‘talk’ to the audience. He signs and an Auslan interpreter speaks for him. He shares a frustrating experience about being invisible and ends it with a c’est la vie shrug. I sit there, feeling bad and thinking, “we are horrible, why are we so thoughtless? Do better, people!” But then just as quickly, he launches into another song and dance routine, which shows us how technology is helping him to connect, followed by a sketch and more music and conversations. He conveys joy and upbeat energy throughout the show.

It was kooky and it was touching. There were inexplicable parts and yet it was illuminating at other bits. We learn to say ‘Pah’ and understand what it means. In the end, I walked out feeling so grateful that Peter had been generous enough to share his story with us, the audience, by creating this piece of theatre. It wasn’t a polished production but it was all heart. I also realised that many of the audience members knew each other. They came to support the group. I hope more outsiders will attend this, people who are not deaf and like me, have no idea what it means. There are only two shows scheduled for FRINGE WORLD – you’ll be really missing out if you don’t catch it.