Powerful NI play about d/Deaf and hearing couples headed to Colombia
'By continuing to tour ‘Expecting’, we hope to inspire dialogue and create awareness around the importance of representation, accessibility, and inclusion in the arts'
A powerful Belfast play is going international as it is set to be performed in Colombia next month.
c21 Theatre Company announced that it is bringing its critically acclaimed production, ‘Expecting’ to the prestigious Teatro Mayor in Bogotá from April 3-5.
Directed by Stephen Kelly and written by Belfast playwright Charis McRoberts, ‘Expecting’, explores experiences unique to d/Deaf and hearing couples and contains a series of interweaving monologues and duologues in both English and sign language.
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The production was developed in consultation with Deaf artist Paula Clarke and features Deaf and hearing artists.
A description of the play reads: "Shauna (Paula Clarke) and Robbie (Eoghan Lamb) are expecting… different things. Shauna expects motherhood won’t be easy.
"Robbie can’t wait to be a dad. Then she arrives. Encountering financial difficulties alongside the arrival of baby Aisling and the barriers Shauna faces, Robbie spirals.
"Can Shauna and Robbie adjust their expectations and find a way back to one another? With Shauna and Robbie plunged into parenthood, will they sink or swim?"
The play showcases the company’s commitment to inclusivity, storytelling, and artistic innovation. Throughout the tour the play has received accolades for its authentic portrayal of the d/Deaf experience, exploring the intersection of language, communication, and human connection in a contemporary world. As part of the global tour, the company seeks to engage and build creative inclusive partnerships.
During their tour to Washington D.C they collaborated with Gallaudet University’s theatre and dance department, one of the foremost programs in the country for d/Deaf and hard of hearing students specialising in the performing arts.
In Bogotá, the performances will be accompanied by community engagement programs, including Q&A sessions, workshops, and partnerships with local d/Deaf organisations, aiming to strengthen cultural ties and raise awareness about the d/Deaf community.
Jonathan Stewart, Director British Council Northern Ireland, said: "We are thrilled to support ‘Expecting’ as it makes its way to Colombia. This production is a powerful example of how international collaboration fosters inclusivity, creativity, and cultural exchange.
"Bogotá's vibrant arts scene provides an exciting platform to raise awareness of the d/Deaf experience, and we are looking forward to seeing how this performance resonates with audiences in Colombia.
"The British Council is committed to supporting partnerships that connect Northern Ireland’s artists with global audiences, sparking important conversations about accessibility and representation in the arts."
Director of ‘Expecting’, Stephen Kelly commented: "Taking Expecting to Bogotá is part of a momentous journey for us. We've already experienced incredible warmth and response from audiences in Edinburgh and Washington D.C., and we are beyond excited to bring this unique work to Colombia, a country with such a rich cultural heritage and a strong sense of community.
"We hope the people of Bogotá will be moved by the universal themes of ‘Expecting’, which transcend language and nationality. The production of ‘Expecting’ is also a powerful example of the growing trend of more inclusive theatre, where sign language, visual storytelling, and accessible performances are at the forefront of creative work.
"By continuing to tour ‘Expecting’, c21 Theatre Company hopes to inspire dialogue and create awareness around the importance of representation, accessibility, and inclusion in the arts.”
c21’s ‘Expecting’ Bogotá tour is supported by the British Council, Culture Ireland, Festival Reino Undo 2025 and Doyle Shipping Group, Belfast
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