Guest Blog: Tina Williams, Artistic Director of Pied Piper Theatre on Empathy, Understanding and the Beauty of Sign Language in CAN BEARS SKI?

I first heard about the book Can Bears Ski? on the BBC news.

I thought a play inspired by the story of Little Bear, who was born deaf, would be a perfect chance to bring awareness to our young audience, developing empathy and greater understanding of diversity in the world around them, in a delightful and fun way.

When I approached the author Raymond Antobus, he was adamant that I should work with a deaf theatre company and a deaf co-director and that the play should also be seen by deaf children.

This was the start of a long journey for me taking British Sign Language classes at Surrey University and working with Paula Garfield, the Artistic Director of Deafinitely Theatre. The play also sparked the beginning of a relationship with the wonderful staff and children at The Lighthouse Unit at Guildford Grove School, and expanding our tour to reach schools for deaf children across the country.

Can Bears Ski? has an integrated cast of three deaf and three hearing actors and a deaf Associate Director.

The play is in spoken English and British Sign Language and uses a visual approach to engage all children; including, for example, those with language development needs, or for whom English is a second language.

Since we began the project Rose Ayling-Ellis, who brought greater deaf awareness to the UK through her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, read Can Bears Ski? as the CBeebies Bedtime Story; and the government finally made British Sign Language an official language in the UK.

It feels like an exciting time to be telling this story. We are looking forward to touring with 115 performances in schools, theatres and arts centres.  It has been a fantastic experience working with Paula and Deafinitely Theatre and I’ve learnt so much about creating a play in two languages. My BSL has improved greatly and I’m now studying for the equivalent of an A Level!

We’re reaching the end of a four week rehearsal period, and The Lighthouse Unit have watched a run through in our rehearsal room and given us brilliant feedback! Next week we start to tour across the country and as far North as York Theatre Royal.

The most special moment for me was watching our deaf actors translate a song into BSL which has a completely different grammar to English. Working out the best way to sign the song took two hours and the combination of Julian Butler’s delightful music and the beautiful language of signing was so moving it brought a tear to my eye.

Can Bears Ski? tours the UK from 17 November - 25 February 2024

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