Evie Waddel

Evie Waddell is a Gaelic speaker, d/Deaf and a musician. Her show Fàilte Gu BSL explores experiences of creative and political connection across isolation – as communities, as individuals and as diverse cultural Scots.

Fàilte Gu BSL is an immersive showcase of Gaelic and Scots signed songs relating to different aspects of traditional culture, exploring experiences of creative and political connection across isolation – as communities, as individuals and as diverse cultural Scots. As a Gaelic speaker, d/Deaf and a musician, Evie Waddell and her cast use traditional songs/stories, sign and traditional and contemporary dance to explore opportunities for d/Deaf people to own Scottish culture, and the relationships between Gaelic and BSL, using collaborative performance to amplify the importance of each unique ‘cultural voice’.

The material includes old and new – working songs, songs about ‘Uamh an Oir’-mythical creatures, as well as Gillebride Macmillian’s ‘Duan an Fhogarraich’- a modern plea for refugees. Look out for the poignant ‘Last Leviathan’ about impending extinction and a self-penned piece – a personal song about deafness. However, rest assured that the mood is regularly lifted with a whole range of silly songs. The show is for d/Deaf and hearing audiences and for Gaelic speaking or non-Gaelic speaking audiences.