culture, unknown to most of us that can
expertise in the art of touch, connection
be tapped in by all. The way the works is
and trust. The language of touch as they
structured, that, as well as Heather and
described to us, demonstrates that race,
Michelle, there are seven tactile guides
religion, ability, gender and color are
who remain unseen in this entire sequence.
simply irrelevant when all that matters is
Kind of like a football team, everyone
the kind hand being offered. This struck
has specific position. We have forwards,
me as an incredibly profound thing that
centres, backs and wing guides who give
Heather and Michelle as Deafblind
each audience member a touch sequence
people can teach.
and then pass that audience member to next tactile guide for a different sequence.
We hope this work of art awakens, not only
It’s like a rite of passage.
the audience’s senses, but also ignites the power that lies in their head, heart and
‘‘Imagined Touch’ challenges and invites
hands to connect with others.
us to engage the work in unexpected ways. It alters our perceptions about how
‘Imagined Touch’ premiered at Arts House
to experience theatre but also how we
in September 2016 and will be having its
communicate with each other.’
second presentation at Carriageworks as
- My About Town5
part of the Sydney Festival program in 2017.
Our journey making this work challenged our team to ask many questions of Heather
Article Cover Image of Heather Lawson (left) and
and Michelle. Is touch the most important
Michelle Stevens (right) in conversation. Photography by
sense? How do Heather and Michelle as
Bryony Jackson
Deafblind artists connect to the audience at all times? How can we reframe disability
1
as an opportunity to share untapped
Deafblind Live Art Experience | Jodee Mundy
expertise on human potential?
Collaborations.’ Australian Stage. <http://www.
Johnson, S. 8 Sept 2016, ‘Imagined Touch: The
australianstage.com.au/201609087963/reviews/
Now in the 21st century, these contem-
melbourne/imagined-touch-the-deafblind-live-
porary Deafblind artists are touching and
art-experience-%7C-jodee-mundy-collaborations.
showing audiences the way through an
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imagined touch. In a world bombarded with visual images and individualism, Heather and Michelle offer audiences
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