Actions speak louder than words
In a world of clashing cultures and beliefs, body language may be the best way to strip away barriers between people. American deaf theatre company Quest believe it works. They are in Hong Kong for a month-long cultural exchange and will stage their internationally renowned play Mosaic next weekend.
With a set made up of two chairs and the only costumes black trench coats, Mosaic adopts a simple way of addressing everyday global conflicts such as religion and politics.
First staged in Vienna in 2005, the mime has been performed throughout the United States, Europe and Australia.
'There's so much going on in the world. It's impossible to express all the issues in one play. We can only select central elements such as nationality or politics and pick up on small things to act out. We hope the play projects the bigger picture to our audience,' said Luis Aguilar, one of the deaf actors in Mosaic.
Discussing world affairs without speaking may seem impossible, but another actress Tami Santimyer points out that the body is powerful enough to convey ideas to other people.
'We deliberately started with the physical movements. We wanted to make sure that our gestures could connect with the audience,' she said.
'Background music was added at a later stage, so [the play] is lead by movements, not music.'
Tim McCarty, 60, Quest's founder and artistic director, explained the play's title.
'In art, a mosaic is composed of many tiny coloured tiles. We used it for the play because all the ideas in the play were inspired by the people we have met in different countries.'
Established in 1987, Quest is a group of artists, educators and volunteers who use art to promote tolerance. It also provides opportunities for marginal individuals, including those with physical disabilities, to realise their full potential.
'Body language is the easiest and most direct way of communication. What we do is visual theatre, which is still rare in the US. Visual theatre is not only for deaf people but for all,' said McCarty.
'There are over one million new immigrants in Washington DC and many of them do not speak English. If they go to watch a play, they won't understand and will feel alienated. But deaf theatre can strip away the language barrier and engage them.'
For hearing impaired people like Aguilar, Quest is about more than just performing.
'When I was a kid, I dreamed of being an actor. I never talked about it because deep inside I knew there was no way for me to do it.
'I studied computer graphics at university. I used to think I'd spend my life sitting in front of computers,' he said.
'But since I joined Quest four years ago, I've travelled a lot and met some great people. It totally changed my life. Now my main goal is to give back what I've gained. I hope I can inspire children with disabilities.'
Mosaic: August 10 (7.30pm) and August 11 (3pm and 7.30pm) at the Sheung Wan Civic Centre. Tickets cost HK$60 (HK$120 for adults) from Urbtix.
