History through Young Eyes: Interview with Susie Ovens

2015 •
  • People
A Tu Kokiri student interviews Susie Ovens on her involvement with the infamous Deaf Sign Singers group.
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Susie shares her memories of being involved in the infamous Deaf Sign Singers group set up by Dulcie McKie, and their use of Total Communication. Susie says she knew that it wasn’t “natural signing” and the group relaxed during their breaks! Susie says that their performance had more of an impact on hearing audiences.

A project by Tu Kokiri Deaf students made with funding from the Albert-Eden Local Board, in collaboration with Auckland Deaf Society and edited footage from SignDNA.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Shona McGhie

Shona McGhie and the Magic of the Auckland Sign Singers

Shona McGhie reflects on her time with the Auckland Sign Singers, a group that helped raise awareness of Deaf culture and showed what Deaf performers could do. Rehearsals were often held at Dulcie McKie’s home, with support from Mac McKie and Gavin Gibbons. Shona recalls her favourite song and the challenge of remembering over 25 routines. It was a busy time full of travel, performance, and connection, and a chapter she looks back on fondly.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Susie Ovens

Switching Between Modes: Total Communication on Stage, NZSL Off

Susie Ovens shares her memories of the well-known Deaf Sign Singers group founded by Dulcie McKie, which used a Total Communication approach. She knew it wasn’t natural signing, and the group would often relax and switch to NZSL during breaks. Still, Susie recalls the performances having a strong impact, especially on hearing audiences who were moved by the group's energy and visual expressions.
Raymon Gahlan
Raymon Gahlan
Susie (Suzanne) Ovens
Susie (Suzanne) Ovens
Taonga source:
Auckland Deaf Society
Produced by:
Tu Kokiri students
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, ADS51-03-LS15
Copyright status:
This work is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
Note:
This item has been compressed and/or edited.

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