The British publication The Independent has published an editorial entitled Just listen to that choreography, and I found enough to discuss that I wanted to give it more than just quicklink status.

The editorial, about a signed performance of the Rambert Dance Company, is quite offensive. Author Lynne Walker claims this is “political correctness taken to an extreme.” While she is right that dance can usually be enjoyed without interpretation because there are not normally words associated with it, that does not mean that this particular performance had anything to do with that. It seems that even though she spoke with the company’s artistic director she still didn’t find out the point of the signed performance, whatever that may have been. It’s ridiculous for her to put down a form of expression simply because she doesn’t understand its purpose.

She refers to the signer, Paul Whittaker, as “valiant” - why, for attempting such a fool’s errand? Did he have good intentions but ultimately fail in his task? Walker has no idea, because she freely admits that she knows no sign language. In fact, she not only admits it, she is proud of it. “I’m fortunate enough not to have sign language as my first language” is an incredibly ignorant and rude statement that dismisses the status of sign languages as true languages rather than just “gesturing” (as she describes Whittaker’s movements). She admits that “SLIPs” (sign language interpreted performances - new term to me, might be British?) are worthwhile in theater and opera but is exceptionally annoyed by the idea of having an interpreted dance performance.

You know what, Ms. Walker? If you are so concerned about the possibility of someone interpreting at your beloved dance shows, perhaps you should call ahead and make sure to attend a performance that will not be interpreted. Deaf people are quite used to finding out when shows will be interpreted, you can most certainly do the same thing.