The Sculptor
The sculptor Karl Albert Tallroth, who died at the age of 27, was an exceptional figure among the deaf at a time when deaf people were typically viewed as objects of pity, charity, and benevolence. His guiding principle was that the deaf must help themselves, rather than wait for assistance from the hearing. Alongside his artistic pursuits, Tallroth was a pioneer of Finnish deaf associations who understood the importance of community and peer support in the empowerment of the deaf.
In the play, written by Salla Fagerström and directed by Noora Karjalainen, the audience is invited to immerse themselves in the world of the deaf and to be “deaf” together with the performance. The play breaks down the norms created by the hearing world and conveys information by drawing on the natural sensory and experiential world of the deaf.
Overview
This work was a production of Ursa Minor Ensemble, a professional Finnish multidisciplinary ensemble theatre with a focus on contemporary deaf theatre and drama and artistic research.
Cast & crew
Playwright Salla Fagerström
Director Noora Karjalainen
Cast
Albert Tallroth - Jarl Hanhikoski
Julia Stadius - Olga Green
Valter Stadius - Quentin Green
Elie - Silja Ruonala
Light Design Dawn Jani Birley
Sound Design Joonas Leppä
Pictures Heidi Koivisto Robertson
Media Designer Teemu Lipasti-Sjöroos
Production Teresa Tiainen
Funders
Arts Promotion Centre of Finland, City of Helsinki, Kone Foundation, Jenny & Antti Wihuri Foundation, Finnish Association of the Deaf
In cooperation with
Culture Centre Caisa, University of the Arts Helsinki, Turku Deaf Club, Helsinki Deaf Club, Deaf Museum
Thanks to
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