The Lifetime of Deaf and Deafblind
Ever wondered what it might be like to experience a lifetime of isolation? No communication, forced to learn in a language you can’t experience? Welcome along to The Lifetime of Deaf and Deafblind. Peter Blockey and Eddie Szczepanik invite you into their world through storytelling and signed song performances.
With help from hearing performers they share with you the highs and lows of growing up in a hearing world. From Deaf education in the 70s to tales of heartbreak and celebrations of new technologies. This heartfelt story will drag you through a range of emotions and expose you to an unfamiliar and challenging, yet at times beautiful, cultural experience.
“You will not see a show that will fill you with more warmth. This is theatre that nourishes the soul.” Isolated Nation ★★★★★
Presented by: Deafinite Connection
Producer, director and performer, Peter Blockey, was born Deaf into a hearing family. Growing up in regional WA, it wasn’t until he was 11 that he was first introduced to Auslan. Peter had always had a passion for the arts, so in 1986 when he learned of Marlee Matlin, the first Deaf Oscar recipient, he felt empowered in his artistic pursuits.
After a lengthy journey with many barriers and rejections, Peter finally found himself someone to collaborate with which helped launch his artistic career through the conversion of four of his poems into composed works with signed song accompaniments. It wasn’t until 2022 when Peter’s true vision came to life though, through launching his first theatrical work into the public sphere, Deafinite Connection.