Out of Darkness Cometh Light - Event images

Out of Darkness Cometh Light is a Visual Vernacular (VV) show that took place on Saturday 12th March. VV is a relatively new theatrical performance style that combines elements of mime, facial and bodily expression.

Ish’s VV World (Ishtiaq Hussain), a well-known artist within the Deaf community, has recently celebrated his 10-year anniversary. This project aims to bridge the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities and bring back the Deaf community to Wolverhampton by putting on a VV performance delivered by Ish’s VV World. Is has also worked with project organiser Omar Haq to produce the event. 

The project included workshops and performances that covered the following themes:

Life of lockdown (drama) - This VV performance was about the life of Deaf people during the pandemic and various lockdowns, in particular looking at the impact of lockdown.

Evolution of technology (comedy) - Took a light-hearted and comedic approach to changes in technology over time in relation to Deaf people, with a focus on how technology has evolved between the 1920s and 2020s.

Wolverhampton 6 (drama) - A dramatic performance about the well-known protests that took place in 2001 in Wolverhampton for Deaf rights and BSL recognition. 6 people were arrested (1 Hearing, 5 Deaf) known as the Wolverhampton 6. Ishtiaq was one of the Wolverhampton 6. 

Wolverhampton history (comedy) – A comedic VV performance that will look at the history of Wolverhampton as a city including the football team and stadium.

Ishtiaq will be performing at Live Sites during the Commonwealth Games and we’ll have more details soon on where you can see more unique VV performances.

Images by Dee Patel.