Ubu sourd la table

A SPLENDID OBJECT-THEATRE ADAPTATION OF ALFRED JARRY’S KING UBU FOR A DEAF AND HEARING AUDIENCE

This adaptation of King Ubu for a deaf audience was first shown at Marionnettissimo in 2003. La Pire Espèce teamed up with C’est bon signe, an arts organization that works with the deaf community, and added a deaf performer-puppeteer to its cast. Not only does he simultaneously translate the words, but he also jumps in and becomes a part of the show’s narrative, by either manipulating objects or hijacking the authors’ intent whenever he feels like it (just like any good translator, in fact!). Much confusion and many zany dramatic situations result from this on-stage meeting of these two cultures. The show is intended for both deaf and hearing audiences and is a way for these two communities to meet and share their perspectives.