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A rich tapestry of storytelling weaving together in perfect harmony issues of racism, deafness and finding your identity. Summary
Rating
Unmissable!
From the moment you enter the performance space at Soho Theatre, you know you are in for a special night. The performers hype the crowd with a pre-show set of tracks that get everyone in the mood for the event, and the atmosphere is electric as the lights go down. This is an extraordinary show that creates a sense of community in a sea of strangers, as the cast weaves together a rich tapestry of storytelling in perfect harmony, combining issues of racism, deafness, and the quest for identity.
Having the right support in early education is crucial for any child, but even more so for those with additional needs. Writers and performers Chris Fonseca and Harry Jardine address this in a hard-hitting way, illustrating the disparities that deaf children experience in a split-scene sequence where characters Chris and Raffie face polar opposites in their BSL lessons. Chris is forced to endure a saccharine caricature of a children’s TV presenter-style teacher who infantilises him, leading to his disengagement. In contrast, Raffie has a positive experience with her teacher and, as a consequence, thrives in her BSL journey. The acting choices here are excellent, and Raphaella Julien deserves commendation for her performance.
A recurring theme of ‘enoughness’ permeates the narrative. Raffie grapples with feelings of inadequacy, believing she is not “deaf enough” since she also speaks, and not “black enough” due to her mixed heritage. Chris reflects on the limitations of his mother’s communication, hindered by financial constraints that prevented her from advancing past Level 2 BSL. Both characters confront a world that often fails to understand them, yet they find connection through music — a universal language that transcends barriers.
The performance is underscored by an eclectic soundtrack composed by Yacoub Didi, blending Arabic, Asian, West African, and Jamaican influences. This rich soundscape immerses the audience in the experience of deafness, which is particularly poignant during Chris’s recollection of the trauma following his cochlear implant surgery.
The staging is minimalist yet effective, employing projections to convey spoken words from Chris and Raffie’s interpreters and enhance emotional transitions. The lighting design further elevates the production. The performance as a whole is seamless and so gripping that 60 minutes feel like both 10 and 100 at the same time.
Follow the Signs is a captivating and spellbinding performance that weaves together personal narratives with broader societal issues. With approximately 151,000 people in the UK using British Sign Language (BSL) as their primary language, and many more learning it as a second language, the show highlights the importance of accessibility and understanding in communication. You will leave knowing a little BSL, with a desire to learn much more.
Written by: Chris Fonseca and Harry Jardine
Directed by: Harry Jardine
Choreography by: Chris Fonseca
Creative Producer: Sian Weeding
Dramaturgy by: Kirsty Housley
Composed by: Yacoub Didi
Sound Design by: Gareth Tucker for Autograph
Lighting Design by: Simeon Miller
Video and Caption Design by: Rachel Sampley
BSL Consultants: Deepa Shastri and Cherie Gordon
Follow the Signs runs at Soho Theatre until Saturday 12 October. Further information and booking details can be found here.
