The problem of music in deaf and hearing musical theatre

Hearing audiences often respond much more enthusiastically to musicals with deaf and hearing performers than deaf people do. This is not simply because deaf people do not appreciate music. Many deaf people enjoy listening to, dancing to and making music. Reasons why deaf audiences may be left cold by musical theatre incorporating deaf performers and sign language range from the quality of the artistic sign language, the clarity of the translation and the use of visual elements in the staging in ways that are not deaf-friendly. This article explores another possible reason – the quality of the deaf musicality. While music is generally understood to be an inherently auditory art focused on vocal or instrumental sound, it can also be defined in visual terms. Visual expressions of music enhance the experience of auditory music for deaf viewers. This is a neglected yet important element of musical theatre involving deaf performers and sign language. In what follows, Jill Marie Bradbury discusses how deaf musicality is expressed in several recent musicals, highlighting both successes and limitations and suggesting future possibilities. Expanding the use of visual musicality in integrated deaf and hearing musical theatre can result in a more enjoyable and more equitable experience for deaf audiences. However, more experimentation with the creative possibilities of deaf musicality and more research on audience perceptions are needed to ensure that artistry and access are balanced.