I refer to the review of the play Tribes (“Loud and clear”, May 25), which is partly about deaf people.
I applaud Pangdemonium’s efforts to raise deaf awareness in Singapore. The company opened its doors to provide equal access for the deaf to appreciate theatrical arts better.
Singapore has signed and ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and Pangdemonium has achieved two articles in the Convention for the deaf, in the form of accessibility and participation.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have coached Thomas Pang and Ethel Yap. I would recommend Thomas for the Best Actor award if there is any in future. He presented his character exceptionally, based on feedback from the deaf community.
It was challenging for him, especially as he learnt sign language within a short time, but he spoke like a deaf person who learnt to speak from a young age. It surprised those who have long been involved with deaf communities.
Ethel is also great and talented in several areas. She also learnt sign language and portrayed her character, the child of deaf parents, very well. Their performances are close to our hearts.
ExtraOrdinary Horizons is a social enterprise run by the deaf
