SHUSH
Maia is currently working with performer, Ryan Murphy. SHUSH is a new piece of theatre that explores degenerative hearing loss and the diminishment of sound through music, circus and physical theatre.
A show exploring cultural boundary and social identity; existing between worlds, and belonging to neither. Highlighting the silent, undefined connections that we all share, where the loudest actions are lost in translation, and the tiniest looks become deafening.
SHUSH builds on a research project by Ryan, entitled ‘Today I Am Become dEAF’, and continues to explore cultural and social themes of the Hard of Hearing community. Working through online social media platforms, discussion forums and one-to-one interviews, this project draws on the collective experiences of the Deaf, the Hard of Hearing and the Hearing to uncover theatrical common ground and to tackle social issues – particularly the unseen and often unspoken hurdles that the Hard of Hearing community face whilst feeling socially and culturally excluded by both hearing and Deaf society.
This project aims to draw upon personal accounts and experiences from all areas, without excluding anyone’s thoughts or opinions, and as such is being developed with the care and thought it requires in order to become a thought-provoking, emotionally honest and artistically authentic piece of theatre.
“As a deaf circus theatre artist - I am passionate about telling silent stories with no barriers. Shush aims to give a celebratory voice to all people that have felt stuck in the margins of society.”
SHUSH is supported by Arts Council England, Jacksons Lane and Circomedia. It investigates areas with advice and guidance from charities such as Hearing Link, and makes use of platforms provided by Action On Hearing Loss and Sense.