The DH Ensemble (previously known as The Deaf & Hearing Ensemble)

is a professional Deaf and hearing led theatre company which formed in 2013. The company is led by Jennifer K. Bates, Stephen Collins, Erin Siobhan Hutching and Sophie Stone and regularly works with a large network of Deaf, disabled and non-disabled freelance creatives.  

We create live performance using a mixture of movement, British Sign Language, Spoken English, creative captions, video projection and soundscapes. Our rehearsal and devising processes employs our unique style of long form improvisation inspired by Viewpoints and play theory and adapted to be accessible for Deaf and hearing artists.

The company’s work includes People of the Eye (Yard Theatre, Battersea Arts Centre, Northern Stage at Summerhall and 2 UK tours), Nodus Tollens (Liberty Festival at Olympic Park), Mathilda and the Orange Balloon (UK tour) and Fair is Foul (currently in development, has been supported by National Theatre Studio and the Barbican).

We were one of two finalists for the Oxford Samuel Beckett Theatre Trust Award in 2016.

We believe in breaking down barriers and preconceived perceptions. We aim to create innovative performance exploring genuine, truthful interaction. We prioritise access for Deaf and hearing audiences from the very beginning of all our work which influences and informs the aesthetic and artistic choices, making the work more layered, complex and interesting for all audience members.

                                                                                                                                                                                                       We like laughing. 

Press for The DH Ensemble

Reviews

"An arresting, immersive and startlingly original piece of theatre. A beautiful, tightly choreographed spectacle...something very special indeed." 

A Younger Theatre (on People of the Eye) - Read full review here

"An extraordinary and visceral piece such as this from The Deaf and Hearing Ensemble is the kind that leaves a mark." 

Edinburgh Reporter (on People of the Eye) - Read full review here

"The love between the two characters is palpable and you leave the piece warmed by it while questioning why society is so fussed about difference." 

Huffington Post (on People of the Eye) - Read full review here

"A heartfelt and amusing topsy-turvy dramatic collage that goes beyond words to make it's point."

Herald Scotland (on People of the Eye) - Read full review here

“ A charming forty five minutes that any lover of children’s books will enjoy as the story is brought to life with great creativity and imagination.”

West End Wilma (on Mathilda and the Orange Balloon) - Read full review here

 "The characters revel in confusion directly engaging the audience with playful interaction. Joyous."

Disability Arts Online (on Nodus Tollens) - Read full review here

Academic features