Sign Singers perform Silent Night

1981
  • Storytelling/Performances
  • TV/Media
The Sign Singers perform the famous carol 'Silent Night' for the Stars on Sunday programme.
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The Sign Singers perform the song ‘Silent Night’ for the Stars on Sunday programme. This ‘Silent Night’ performance was filmed on February 25 1981 at Highwic in Newmarket, Auckland, and screened on TVNZ on September 13, 1981. ‘Silent Night’ had repeat screenings on December 20, 1981, and on December 19, 1982. This song, ‘Silent Night’ was one of the group’s most popular songs. They first performed it at their first show on September 20, 1980 at a charity concert in Homai, Manurewa.

 

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.
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.
Taonga source:
Dulcie McKie
Produced by:
Stars on Sunday, Television New Zealand
Original format:
VHS
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, DM06-09-SP81
Note:
This item has been compressed and/or edited.