New Direction for Australia’s Deaf Theatre Community

The Australian Theatre of the Deaf (ATOD) is delighted to announce a new partnership with Arts Access Victoria that will secure the future of this unique Australian performing company.

The ideal partner for the only professional deaf theatre company, Arts Access Victoria is a disability arts organisation providing access, participation, engagement and professional development in the arts and cultural life for people with a disability.

“ATOD’s agreement with AAV is founded on a mutual desire to reinvigorate deaf theatre in Australia,” said Andrew Wiltshire, Chairman of ATOD.

“After thirty years of performances it is time for ATOD to take a new direction. Working with AAV and the Deaf Arts Network, we can further broaden the opportunities for deaf expression and deaf participation in the arts.”

For the past 30 years, ATOD has been a Sydney based company. But from 2011, ATOD will move into a period of regeneration, focussing on the professional development of a number of talented deaf actors, and the eventual shift to a permanent rehearsal and performance space in Victoria.

Veronica Pardo, Arts Access Victoria’s Executive Director, said: “ATOD will continue to provide a vibrant avenue of expression for Australia’s AUSLAN community, as well as offering mainstream audiences the opportunity to engage with deaf stories and deaf experiences.”