The Disobedient Gene
Eugenics cut us open and turned our bodies into a battlefield. We are the disobedient gene. We will not be fixed. We will not be cured. We will not be eliminated.
Throughout history, attempts have been made to fix, cure, and eliminate deaf people. But is that what we want? The Disobedient Gene strikes at the very heart of hereditary deafness—something that society has labeled as a disease, a defect, a threat, and a pollution. Despite brutal attempts at genecide, the deaf gene refuses to disappear and instead breaks out in resistance. It is disobedient, uncontrollable, and unyielding.
Drawing on anatomical theater and somatic practices, the performance is a grotesque dissection of the bloody history of eugenics targeting deaf people from the 17th century to the present day. It asks the audience who is really sick: deaf people or society itself?
The Finnish Government is currently implementing a truth and reconciliation process to investigate historical injustices against deaf people and sign language users. The Disobedient Gene embodies the lived experiences of deaf people on stage from a deaf-centered perspective: the entire working group consists of deaf or sign language users, and the performance is built from the reality of deaf people.
This stirring performance is part of Noora Karjalainen's doctoral research at the University of the Arts Helsinki's Theater Academy's Performing Arts Research Centre Tutke.
Notes
Duration 1 hour 40 minutes without break.
The performance language is Finnish Sign Language.
The performance is recommended for ages 16 and up.
Performances
Mad House Helsinki, November 22–30, 2025
Selfoss Iceland, August 1, 2026
Overview
This work was a co-production of the Theatre Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki and Ursa Minor Ensemble, a professional Finnish multidisciplinary ensemble theatre with a focus on contemporary deaf theatre and drama and artistic research.
Team
Ensemble Olga Green, Quentin Green, Jarl Hanhikoski, Noora Karjalainen, Silja Ruonala
Concept and artistic design Noora Karjalainen
Set and costume design Tanja Honkanen
Light design Martin Aro
Sound design Joonas Leppä
Production Anne Sjöroos
Social media Teresa Tiainen
Photography Heidi Koivisto Robertson
Media Designer Teemu Lipasti Sjöroos
Funders and partners
Kone Foundation, Arts Promotion Centre Finland, City of Helsinki, Mad House Helsinki, University of the Arts Helsinki
Special thanks to
Charlotte Fagerström, Jussi Rinta-Hoiska, Maija Koivisto, Outi Ahonen, Pauliina Laukkanen, Debbie Z. Rennie, Olivier Schetrit, Eeva Anttila, Kimmo Kohtala, Aleksi Mattila, Kalamesta, Teatteri Totti, Eskus, Marianne Savallampi / Mad House, Viljami Lehtonen /Mad House, Jukka Hyyppä, Jyri-Jussi Halko, Jouni Katainen, Tekstin talo, Kuurojen museo, Herttoniemen kartano / Ulf Nyberg, perheet ja ystävät