In April 2018 contemporary performer Jonny Cotsen brings his first one man-show Louder is Not Always Clearer, produced, devised and directed by infamous performance activists Mr and Mrs Clark, to the Torch Theatre.
Jonny is a teacher, facilitator, a workshop leader a campaigner and an artist. His friends say he’s outgoing and popular and that he loves music, festivals and nightclubs.
Jonny is deaf.
Born deaf to hearing parents reluctant to stigmatise their son with the label ‘disabled’, deaf was a term not used in the Cotsen household. Jonny underwent ardent speech therapy and learnt to lip read. He did not identify as ‘deaf’ until much later in life. From an early age he felt disconnected from his deafness but also disconnected from the world around him.
‘Louder Is Not Always Clearer’ focuses on the importance and struggle of connection with others; an honest portrayal of the vulnerability of a man seemingly full of social confidence.
In a hearing world Jonny is different and Louder Is Not Always Clearer is a bold expose that highlights those differences.
For a hearing audience it is an illuminating and emotional experience. For deaf audience members the show is a familiar tale of misunderstanding and isolation. For all audiences it is a humorous and, at times, moving story of one man’s attempt to cope, to fit in and be accepted.
For a glimpse into Jonny’s story you can check out On Par’s video, Born Deaf, Raised Hearing.
The show is accessible to D/deaf, hard of hearing and hearing audiences through the use of spoken English, British Sign Language and creative captions.
A Mr and Mrs Clark Production.
‘Louder is Not Always Clearer’ – A Mr & Mrs Clarke Production, comes to the Torch Theatre on Fri 20 April 2018, 7:30pm. Tickets: £13.00 Full | £11.00 Concessions