“Chris is Deaf in a hearing world. Chris is Black on a racist island. No code. No imprint. No escape. But this is not a tragedy.”

An innovative and exciting new show performed through BSL, rap, spoken English, movement and creative captioning is set to be shared and celebrated by Deaf and hearing audiences together at Leeds Playhouse. 

Follow the Signs tells the story of acclaimed dancer and choreographer Chris Fonseca, from infanthood when he became Deaf after contracting meningitis, through a school system unable to value his differences, into teenage years where music and dance entered his life. 

It also explores his interactions with Raffie Julien, a mixed-race Deaf woman whose lived experience couldn’t be more different from his. Or could it? Perhaps they have more in common than they think. 

Chris Fonseca, founder of Fuse Theatre along with Director Harry Jardine and Produce Sian Weeding, said: “We are so excited to launch Fuse Theatre with Follow the Signs because it is a joyful show about owning your own identity, but it also shines a light on many issues that rarely get talked about in the public arena. This show is extremely personal to us and the timing feels perfect.” 

Presented by Fuse Theatre in association with Soho Theatre, all performances will be in BSL, spoken English, rap and English captions.