Shared Environments — A Four Nations Signdance Outdoor Journey
Updated: Oct 2
This summer, artists from the UK, Croatia, Slovenia, and Austria traveled together across Europe. We explored how signdance, puppetry, and movement adapt to real outdoor conditions—heat, wind, darkness, noise, uneven terrain, and shifting weather.
Two works led our journey:
NOTIZEN — signdance + puppetry
Stream Walkers — night-time, light-based performance
Throughout the tour, performers worked without interpreters or add-ons. Everyone signs. Everyone adapts. Everyone works together. Communication emerged from within the ensemble—a shared language of movement, rhythm, awareness, and care.
Where We Performed
Our performances took us to various locations:
Graz
Maribor
Ljubljana
Wales (Wrexfest)
Pula (PUF Festival)
Croatian Islands
England (next week)
Each place presented new challenges. We faced fading light, stone heat, sea wind, festival noise, riverside gusts, late-evening schedules, and 40°C island temperatures.
Outdoor Methods
The ensemble developed simple yet powerful ways of working outdoors. We focused on:
PACE
BREATH
WATER
PLANNING
AWARENESS
Mapping terrain was essential. We adjusted our movements for heat or darkness, using shade, light, and wind as integral parts of our dramaturgy.
Moments From the Tour
Here are some memorable moments from our journey:
Ljubljana — We performed NOTIZEN under the trees, enjoying relaxed pacing and excellent support.
PUF Festival, Pula — Our 8 PM performance took place in fading light, amidst stone heat and sea wind.
Croatian Islands — We faced 40°C conditions, leading to shade-based choreography.
Wrexfest — We used vibration-based cues beside a rock festival.
Graz — The council supported us with refreshments for our audiences.
Maribor — The LENT Festival wind shaped our puppetry.
The Companies
We collaborated with various companies:
Signdance Collective (UK)
Znakovni Ples (Croatia)
Ana Monro Theatre (Slovenia)
Transmitter Performance (Austria)
73 Degree Films
Together, we explored how disability-led practice can shape inclusive, adaptive, and resilient outdoor performance. We aimed to create with the environment, not against it.
The Impact of Our Journey
Our journey was not just about performances; it was about connection. We fostered relationships between Deaf and hearing communities. This collaboration allowed us to innovate and expand our reach.
We learned that art can thrive in any environment. The challenges we faced became opportunities for creativity. Each performance was a testament to resilience and adaptability.
Reflections on Inclusivity
Inclusivity was at the heart of our work. We aimed to break down barriers and create spaces where everyone feels welcome. Our performances were designed to be accessible, ensuring that all audiences could engage with our art.
We discovered that when we embrace diversity, we enrich our performances. Each artist brought unique perspectives, enhancing our collective creativity. This journey reinforced our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, we remain dedicated to expanding the impact of Signdance Theatre globally. We will continue to innovate and collaborate with diverse artists. Our goal is to connect communities through our unique art form.
We believe in the power of performance to inspire change. By sharing our experiences, we hope to encourage others to embrace inclusivity in their own practices.
In conclusion, our summer journey was a celebration of creativity, resilience, and community. We look forward to the next chapter in our adventure, continuing to explore the beauty of signdance and its ability to unite us all.
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