Sign name is a unique visual identity given by the deaf community for each individual. It will be different based on your appearance, actions, and even stories. To cut it short, if you are given a sign name, you are worthy to be trusted.
However, this collaboration of Thames International Manila and Lorma Colleges La Union calls you with the power of silence to heal your confused soul like no other—as if it knows you so well before you enter the theatre.
The one-act play ‘Whatcha saying,’ a stage adaptation of the comic book by Deaf Filipino artist CJ Reynaldo (Caldatelier), written and directed by Heart Romero, pivoted laughter as the core language to how it feels like to be heard.
The story is quite simple: we followed CJ, a Deaf freshman navigating college life in a hearing world. When he meets his schoolmates Liam and Sarah, the three find new ways to understand one another as they explore love, friendship, identity, and college life.
There is a nuance of immersion and collectivism as an audience watching. Alongside the characters, you become guarded on a journey to expand your senses with sign languages as if you are part of the act, submitting yourself with curiosity and eagerness to also adapt. It is quite powerful to see everyone doing the hand language even with the smallest words that were being showcased.
Inclusivity is established with so much professionalism and taste: two deaf artists are casted for this run, there is a room for the deaf and hearing community, and the gesture of applause during curtain call is truly heartwarming, plus the integration of Filipino Sign Language was done with finesse.
It is soothing to finally laugh because of how gullible they could be if we wielded a power to free them—and not use them for just a punchline. The play was irreverent, campy, and effective, while serving as a tantamount of reminders that every Cocoy is a human capable of loving, laughing, speaking if they want to, and finding their way to dilute the noise.
This is a form of amnesiac to the sadness we brought before the play started. This theatre is a recall on how to simply exist.
If we continue to give the Person with Special Needs the platform to unleash their artistry, everyone may feel that they truly have the right to share their awkwardness, kilig moments, and little turmoils to the cruel world which sometimes refuses to listen.
We still have so much work to do for them. This play triggered the power in acceptance that it is never too late to use our own hands to rub circles in someone’s heart—and to finally earn our own sign name.
Find clarity in every ‘Whatcha Saying?’ at the Thames International Auditorium in Quezon City on November 4 at 5 PM and 8 PM, November 5 and 6 at 8 PM, and November 7 at 5 PM and 8 PM. Tickets are priced at ₱800.
