Sneak Peek

A World Without Them

In Development, April & May 2024

Following the success of Ghost River Theatre's 3-Week National Devised Theatre Intensive production The Sixth Meeting of the Extinction Club, Landon Krentz created The Extinction of the Last Sea Mink and Their Favourite Maple Leaf, a Visual Vernacular performance that takes storytelling to new heights.

In collaboration with Eric Rose during his upcoming residency at Ghost River Theatre, Landon Krentz will bring forth the concept of extinction that marries provocative imagery with profound narratives. A World Without Them is an immersive experience of physical and visual poetry, where Krentz's unique perspective transforms into a realm of visual storytelling. 

Check out the video for a taste of The Extinction of the Last Sea Mink and Their Favourite Maple Leaf

What is Visual Vernacular?

Visual Vernacular is a unique physical theatre technique, with elements of poetry and mime, primarily performed by Deaf artists. This powerful storytelling style combines strong movement, and iconic (A)SL signs, with gestures and facial expressions, to capture the world in all its visual complexity. Cinematic effects are a key feature of performances, such as creating long shots or zoom, playing with fast or slow motion, and panoramic views. Role shifting is another way to play with storytelling. An artist can use movement to morph into different characters, or even objects, to help build a story. By combining these techniques, artists create a highly visually exciting and accessible way to enhance storytelling.

What is Sumain?

"Sumain is a person who is a native sign language user. In Spanish, 'Su' means 'Your' and in French, 'Main' means 'Hand' - therefore, "Your hands tell me that I exist". An identity based on sign language as well as spatial/visual/tactile fluency as opposed to "broken hearing".

Also, it means a person who has a keen spatial and visual intelligence." - Urban Dictionary