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Hands That Hold History

, –
Past
  • Free
  • Late
  • British Sign Language
  • British Sign Language interpreted
A photograph of dancers performing on stage in front of an audience. Some of them appear blurred to depict that they are in motion.
Set and Reset dance performance. © Waleed Shah.

What you'll do

Join us for an evening of Deaf-led events, exploring how our hands and bodies can hold conversations, tell stories and express emotions.

‘Hands That Hold History’ is a multi-part programme that explores shared language, heritage, and cultural identity within the Deaf community. The events relate to the ‘Fingertalk’ installation and ‘1880 THAT’ exhibition, both of which will be open throughout the evening. 

Activities will take place throughout the building, and the events will be repeated during the evening, so you’ll be able to experience all the events and exhibitions at your own pace. BSL interpreters will be available for support and orientation.

Details of the events are listed below. The workshop and BSL tour both have limited spaces, so please reserve your places for these at the information desk when you arrive on the night.

Book a free ticket for 'Hands that Hold History' at the bottom of this page.

Dates

, –
Past

Past events

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  • Performance
Resist
Throughout our building
‘Resist’ is a series of dance performances that will happen at various locations during the evening. The two Deaf dancers, Anna Seymour and Raffie Julien, will move around, responding to objects, spaces and their audience.

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  • Workshop
Shadow Signs
The Studio
‘Shadow Signs’ is a gentle physical movement workshop that teaches you how to create silhouettes with your hands and body. The workshop is inspired by the Victorian pastime of shadowgraphy. Deaf actors David Ellington and Ciaran O'Brien will guide you through a number of different silhouette techniques using an illuminated screen. The workshop will be guided in BSL, with voice-over interpreters available for non-signers. BOOK YOUR PLACE on the workshop at the information desk when you arrive on the night.
  • British Sign Language
  • British Sign Language interpreted

–

  • Gallery tour
BSL tour with Nadia Nadarajah - Hands That Hold History
In this tour, artist Nadia Nadarajah will guide you through an immersive performance where movement and memories uncover hidden histories held within our hands and bodies. The performance will happen in both the ‘1880 THAT’ and ‘Fingertalk’ galleries. BOOK YOUR PLACE on the tour at the information desk when you arrive on the night.
  • British Sign Language

Need to know

Location

This is an event with several different activities. Check specific sub-events for their locations.

Multi-part programme

This is a large-scale event with several different activities, which may include drop-in sessions, scheduled performances, workshops or talks. Check specific activities for details and to see if you need to book a ticket or just show up. Spaces for drop-in activities are limited and may run out if we are busy.

British Sign Language

This event will be delivered in British Sign Language.

British Sign Language interpreted

This event will have British Sign Language interpretation.

For more information, please visit our Accessibility page. If you have any queries about accessibility, please email us at access@wellcomecollection.org or call

Our event terms and conditions

About your contributors

A woman in a dance performance, leaning back with her right arm extended to her side and her left arm curved out in front of her.

Anna Seymour

Artist

Anna Seymour is an Australian born Deaf dance artist, actress, and producer based in London. Anna has worked with different choreographers and companies, including Candoco Dance Company and Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York. Anna has been touring her own work, SPIN and Mini SPIN, an interactive dance rave performance event in Germany, the UK and Australia.

Black and white photograph of the head and shoulders of a young woman with cropped curly hair. She is look directly at the camera.

Raphaella Julien

Performer

Raffie is a professional Deaf dancer, actor, BSL director and movement director. She is fluent in BSL (British Sign Language) and SSE (Sign Supported English) and highly skilled in mime, physical theatre, and choreography.

A headshot of David

David Ellington

Facilitator

David is an award-winning Bristol-based creative. He founded VS1 Productions following his passion in film making, and he specialises in Deaf sign language-related topics across a wide range of genres, from community-focused documentaries to short-form dramas. David has led numerous Deaf Awareness training sessions and workshops in the theatre arts sector.

A headshot of Ciaran O'Breen

Ciaran O’Breen

Facilitator

Ciaran is a deaf, Bristol-based actor, workshop facilitator and BSL guide. Most recently, he played Captain Chatter in 'Wonder Boy' at Bristol Old Vic and on the UK tour. He was a finalist for an Offies Award in 2025.

Nadia Nadarajah

Nadia Nadarajah

Performer

Nadia Nadarajah is an artist who creates and performs plays in BSL. She is a Shakespeare’s Globe Associate Artist who has performed in 'Anthony and Cleopatra' ‘As you like it’ and ‘Hamlet’. Recent performances elsewhere include Royal Court Theatre’s ‘Midnight Movie’ (2019) and ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Bristol Old Vic Theatre (2018).