Theatre of the Deaf

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Theatre of the Deaf

Insightful look at the work of the then-young British Theatre of the Deaf and its founder, Pat Keysell.

This upbeat film features performers from the then newly-formed British Theatre of the Deaf in rehearsal, as well as extracts from 'The Voyage', the company's production of Homer's The Odyssey. The company's innovative combination of drama, dance and mime was driven by its founder Pat Keysell, known to many as co-presenter (with Tony Hart) of the BBC's pioneering children's TV programme Vision On. Keysell is also seen bringing her characteristic energy and zeal to a class of young deaf people.

A qualified mime teacher as well as an experienced actress, Keysell was inspired by the Connecticut-based National Theatre of the Deaf, with whom she studied in the late 1960s. Her work helped establish deaf theatre as a distinctive art form in the UK. Despite some slightly clumsy questioning by the interviewer and presenter, this Central Office of Information-commissioned film offers useful insights into the nature of modern mime and its particular value for deaf people.

This government film is a public record, preserved and presented by the BFI National Archive on behalf of The National Archives, home to more than 1,000 years of British history.

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Performing Arts: Theatre

First of the Performing Arts series...

The stage is set... the curtains are raised. This collection is first of a four-part series that looks at the wonders of Performing Arts - theatre, dance, music and performance beyond the mainstream. With theatre being one of the oldest mediums of the performer - spectator dynamic, its evolution across the decades is nothing short of fascinating. Going beyond the ephemeral, this collection allows us to venture further into the world of theatre, granting us on stage and backstage access. Here is a spotlight on the ever relevant and timeless nature of this art form; spaces for creative exchange and play; a tool for bringing awareness to important topics, combining artistry with activism; and engaging a wide range of performers and audiences alike. Who knows what the future holds for such an important, oftentimes radical means of expression? In the meantime, take your seat, get comfortable and, enjoy the show!

21 videos in this collection

Insightful look at the work of the then-young British Theatre of the Deaf and its founder, Pat Keysell.

Theatre of the Deaf

  • 1972
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Dog Joins Musical Theatre

  • Tonge
  • 1986
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Black Actors

  • 1981
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Asian Youth Music and Dance

  • Cardiff/Caerdydd
  • 1980
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About AIDS: Teaching to Care - Third Ground

  • Sheffield
  • 1988
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D'art

  • 1992
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Minack Theatre: Under the Stars

  • Porthcurno
  • 1989
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Dario Fo - Modern Jester

  • 1985
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Contact in the World

  • Liverpool
  • 2008
Professional touring theatre company reaches out to rural communities

The Orchard Theatre at Beaford Arts Centre

  • Beaford
  • 1969
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Cooling Off

  • Leeds
  • 2000
Meet a young Ian McKellen, treading the boards of the legendary Crucible Theatre.

Sheffield Theatre

  • 1972
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Drama Academy (Fame)

  • Belfast
  • 1986
Angela Rippon reports on the Women's Institute's pantomime

The Withycombe Raleigh Pantomime

  • Withycombe Raleigh
  • 1970
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West Side Story in Belfast

  • Belfast
  • 1986
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The Travellers: Still Carrying On

  • Long Buckby Wharf
  • 1984
Sexey's school put on a Shakespearian production.

Sexey's School perform The Tempest

  • Bruton
  • 1960
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Falling Out with the Jones'

  • Liverpool
  • 2008
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Hoof!

  • Liverpool
  • 2008
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Arts Theatre Anniversary

  • Belfast
  • 1986
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Gary Stevens: Audience

  • Brighton
  • 1989
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