This thesis has three main components: an exegesis; a novel, Between the Signs; and an experimental essay entitled ‘An Essay, Performed’ (to include a paper version, and a pilot of an accessible performed reading – documentation of which is included with this thesis on DVD). An Introduction explains how these elements fit together to form a cohesive and integrated thesis, and details what is explored in each of the five sections of the exegesis. The exegesis provides a creative perspective on, and a topical enquiry into, British and American Deaf literature, and addresses how my multidisciplinary background in theatre relates to, and helps illuminate an understanding of, Deaf literature. It considers how my understanding of Deaf literature has shaped my creative writing and, drawing on the work I undertook in theatre, investigates how other writers and practitioners could create more accessible texts. The exegesis includes a literature review; a reflection on writing Between the Signs; findings from two pieces of practice-as-research; and a field project in the form of five interviews with leading Deaf language artists in the UK. By generating unique creative insights into this underexplored literary vein, I produce a document that I believe will be of use to writers and practitioners who are creating Deaf characters or developing accessible texts. Set in Scotland in the lead up to devolution, Between the Signs is inspired by my work as a theatre practitioner and my subsequent study of Deaf literature. It is rooted in the theatre world and follows Maddie, a young drama school graduate, in her quest for belonging. The novel engages with Deaf literature and culture on a thematic level, exploring the notion of dual identities and the limitations of all forms of human communication. It has particular emphasis on the visual. The experimental essay, ‘An Essay, Performed’, is the result of one of my pieces of practice-as-research. It embodies elements of my practical, theoretical and literary enquiry; exemplifies some of my findings regarding accessible literature; and holds the key to where this work could go next. Extracts of this paper-based essay will be presented as a pilot of an accessible performed reading prior to the viva, and made available on DVD with this thesis.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:bl.uk/oai:ethos.bl.uk:586766 |
| Date | January 2013 |
| Creators | Andrews, Deborah Louise |
| Publisher | University of Glasgow |
| Source Sets | Ethos UK |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Source | http://theses.gla.ac.uk/4606/ |
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