Scored in Silence

80 years after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, Deaf Japanese artist Chisato Minamimura brings to life stories that have rarely been told. Her work, ‘Scored in Silence’, focuses on the experiences of Deaf ‘hibakusha’, a term used to describe survivors of the atomic bombings.

This immersive solo performance is based on interviews with these survivors and sheds light on how they endured and survived these catastrophes and their aftermath: without adequate access to information and further affected by discrimination and isolation within Japanese society. 

On stage, choreographer Chisato Minamimura weaves these deeply personal stories together with sign language poetry, documentary footage, projections, and sounds that are made tangible through a vibration belt. The result is a condensed visual composition that powerfully raises the question of whose memories (can) become part of the collective narration of historical events.

Post-show discussion

On 29 January, a discussion with Chisato Minamimura will take place following the show. The discussion will be held in British Sign Language and spoken English, and will be interpreted into Swiss German Sign Language. If required, whispered interpretation into spoken German can be provided.

• Step-free access

• Languages: in Swiss-German Sign Language (DSGS) with English and German surtitles and a Voice-Over in English spoken language 

• Content Notes: This piece is about war and atomic bombs, the context being the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. There are explicit descriptions of violence, death and corpses. Audism, ableism and forced sterilisation are addressed by those affected.

• Accessibility for Deaf audiences: Woojer straps will be provided for the audience. Woojer straps are vibrating belts designed to offer an additional sensory experience for audiences by enabling the user to feel sound vibrations. Before and after the performance, sign language interpreters will be present in the foyer.

• Audiodescription: A live audiodescription in German spoken language will be offered via headphones for all shows. A touch tour takes place xx minutes before the performance.

• Pick-up service: People who would like to be picked up from Zurich main station to attend the event can contact us at barrierefreiheit@gessnerallee.ch up to 24 hours before the start of the show. 

• For sold-out performances, we reserve a small number of accessible seats (wheelchair spaces and beanbags). We ask that anyone requiring accessibility support contact kasse@gessnerallee.ch.