DANCE celebrates International Week of the Deaf and International Sign Languages with play at Bulawayo Theatre

THE Deaf community in Zimbabwe, led by the Association of the Deaf (ASSOD), Bulawayo Deaf Community (BDC), Deaf Arts National Culture Entertainment (DANCE), and Sign Language Interpreter Trust (SLIT),

proudly announced the celebration of International Week of the Deaf, culminating in International Day of the Deaf today. This year’s theme, “Sign Up for Sign Language Rights,” emphasises the urgent need to advocate for the official recognition of sign languages and the rights of Deaf individuals to access their language and culture in all aspects of life.

Tsungirirai Tsikira who is the Projects Manager for SLIT explained the aim of the commemorations.

“The commemorations aim to bring visibility and awareness to the communication needs and unique identity of Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

“This year’s celebrations will be more significant than ever, with a full day of activities scheduled to take place at the Bulawayo Theatre,” she said.

Some of the highlights of the International Week of the Deaf which are part of the month-long celebrations includes the International Day of Sign Languages which was on Monday, a day dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of sign language in achieving the human rights of Deaf people as well as the march from Egodini along Lobengula Street at 8 am, continuing up Leopold Takawira Street until the procession reaches the Bulawayo Theatre.

According to Tsikirayi, this vibrant march symbolises the Deaf community’s call for greater recognition and inclusion.

At the Theatre, a full day of engaging activities awaits including stalls showcasing Deaf talent featuring products, arts, and crafts created by Deaf individuals, highlighting their skills and creativity.

There will also be drama and dance performances by DANCE: Zimbabwe’s first all-Deaf drama group performing in sign language, bringing powerful stories and expressions of Deaf culture to life, supported by Sign Language Interpreters.

Part of the festivities will also see a groundbreaking graduation ceremony of Deaf artistes and the first-ever cohort of Sign Language Theatre Interpreters in Zimbabwe. These individuals have been undergoing intensive training since September last year and are now fully qualified, marking a significant milestone in making theatre accessible to all. Key to this year’s celebrations is to, “Sign Up for Sign Language Rights.”

Tsikirayi urged members of the public to learn about and support the rights of Deaf individuals, participate in Deaf Awareness courses, and advocate for the official recognition and use of sign language in Zimbabwe.

“This year’s theme resonates deeply with our mission,” said Mbiko Nxumalo, Director, SLIT.

“Sign Language is more than a form of communication; it’s a human right. We are excited to showcase the talent within the Deaf community and to bring awareness to the importance of inclusion and accessibility.”

There has been a slow buy-in the Sign language and the commemoration portends the power to change narrative.

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