We chatted with Fifi about starring in Deafinitely Theatre’s production of V’s The Vagina Monologues, touring the UK until the 19th July.
How does it feel to be back on stage? I’m so excited to be back on stage after almost two years. It was September 2023 that I was in the charity gala performance of V’s The Vagina Monologues. This was a voluntary cast of 20 deaf and hearing women and non-binary persons all produced by Deafinitely Theatre. It was a one night only production and we raised vital funds for a charity supporting deaf people who experience domestic abuse. And now, Deafinitely Theatre are bringing back the production, this time with 10 deaf actors and we’re hitting the road and going to Exeter Northcott, Sheffield Crucible Theatre and the Birmingham Rep.
I’m so excited to be performing on the stages of these venues. I love the Sheffield Crucible theatre space and have been lucky enough to perform at the Birmingham Rep previously so I am delighted to return! And Exeter Northcott is a new venue for me. It’s always great to discover new theatres and step on to new stages. It’s one I can tick off the list!
It’ll be amazing to spend time working with a fantastic group of deaf women to create this production and I can’t wait to see how the audiences around the country react to the
performance.
What drew you to performing in The Vagina Monologues? I have to say it was the opportunity to share the stage with a large group of deaf actors. In this production there are 10 deaf actors, all with various identities, gay, straight, bi, non- binary persons and we all bring our own experiences to the production. It’s also great to see a variety of ages and shapes and sizes on the stage performing together – our audiences can identify with someone on the stage and feel a connection. It’s so important for our audience members to know they are not alone, they’re not the only one. The play has an important and empowering message we want to share with women all over the country. The
message is you are good enough and nobody has the right to tell you otherwise. If you
spend time worrying about what others think of you or thinking you are not enough – please don’t. Be yourself. Be proud of who you are. It’s so important and so liberating as an actor to perform in this play.
TVM was written by V (formerly Eve Ensler) after interviews with a variety of women from around the world. Older women, younger women, those with so many varying backgrounds and experiences. These are our stories. These are the true stories of the women of the world. I was proud to be involved in September 2023 in London and I’m so looking forward to bringing the show back to three cities around the UK.
You were recently in Code of Silence – an ITV drama. Well done! What was it like
performing in this series? Ah many thanks for your kind words! I’ve loved being an actor in drama projects on TV. I’ve done a lot with LumoTV (formerly British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust who make programmes led in BSL on the BSL Zone featuring deaf actors and I’m so grateful for these experiences). I’ve always wanted the opportunity to be in a mainstream drama. It was amazing to be in Code of Silence, a prime-time Sunday night 6-part ITV drama. I was in people’s living rooms for 6 weeks across the UK! That’s so exciting. It felt like – finally! It’s certainly the most exciting part of my life and the highest viewing figures I’ve ever seen! I’ve been told there have been 22 million views and now it’s going worldwide too.
The director – Diarmuid – was so wonderful. The 1st AD – Grantly – was amazing, I could go on and on! Every department was so supportive, flexible and friendly. It was a delight. They made me feel so welcome. And working so closely with the amazing Rose Ayling-Ellis was amazing. She’s awesome and so easy to work with. All the cast were great. It was such a positive experience. And I hope there’ll be more opportunities like this!
Do you believe that authentic representation of deaf people is growing in
mainstream TV/Theatre? Absolutely yes! It’s great to see more deaf people on screen and on stages. I’ve noticed a growing trend of deaf people being on different mainstream game shows as well as in dramas like The Chelsea Detective and the recent short series Reunion on the BBC. It’s great and I want it to continue. I don’t want the inclusion of deaf people to be fashionable for a few years and then stop again. Now we’re more present, long may it continue. We’re a part of society and seeing more deaf people and BSL on screen will promote awareness amongst the wider mainstream society that we’re here and you can communicate with us.
I have a message to writers and directors out there – please include us. Be bold. Open your minds. Take risks. Don’t play it safe. Don’t think that including BSL and deaf actors will spoil the screen. Think outside the box. Create characters that we can play – not just about our deafness but about anything – relationships, work, family – we’re the same as you all apart from being able to hear! There’s so much talent out there among deaf actors that could enrich the portrayals of many different characters.
What’s it like working on The Vagina Monologues so far? I have to say it’s very early days – this time around! We’ve got a full week of rehearsal from Monday 7th July onwards which I’m very excited about. Back in September 2023, we only had two days of rehearsal so am glad we’ve got more time this production to explore the text
and create some beautiful visual performances of this iconic play.
Last time around, there were 20 deaf and hearing women and non-binary persons in the cast and we were like one big family. Everyone supported each other to create the show and I know this time will be the same. We’ve got a cast of 10 deaf actors this time around and I’m so excited to be in a room with them all and develop this production. I hope some of you will be able to come along and see it!
By Emma Clarendon
To book tickets for the show visit: https://www.deafinitelytheatre.co.uk/Event/tvm-2025