ZAMEK Culture Centre

A subversive performance that breaks down stereotypical perceptions of Deaf and hearing-impaired people. "Louder Is Not Always Clearer" is a personal story about the need to function on equal terms in a hearing world, a story about a man who is a teacher, has just become a father, is an avid football fan, is sociable, loves music, festivals and nightclubs, is an artist, is Deaf. For hearing viewers, it's a sincere monodrama of a Deaf person; for viewers who don't use their sense of hearing, it's a familiar story of misunderstandings between two worlds; for the entire audience, it's a humorous and warm performance about acceptance and the need for mutual respect.

Most of us love parties, they are an opportunity to relax. For Jonny, who is Deaf, keeping up with the conversation is a struggle. Frustration with constant misunderstandings leads him to leave a social gathering, taking viewers on an audiovisual journey through key moments in his life, shaped by his deafness. "Louder Is Not Always Clearer" explores themes of otherness and the desire to belong. Jonny's outward confidence contrasts with his inner vulnerability and occasional isolation.

Jonny Cotsen – a qualified graphic designer and art teacher who gave up his professional career to develop as a performance artist, facilitator and arts inclusion consultant. Jonny also leads inclusive drama workshops and is a Deaf equality trainer (training for people with and without disabilities), as well as a consultant for Disability Arts Cymru. Commissioned by Arts Council Wales, the artist created a "toolkit" for Welsh theaters and cultural institutions, with tips on how to improve access for Deaf and hearing-impaired audiences.

Cotsen is the initiator and programmer of Deaf Gathering Cymru, a festival in Cardiff created by Deaf artists for Deaf and hearing audiences. The multi-day event includes: performances, talks, a symposium, yoga classes, and a comedy night with an open mic.

Jonny is the child of hearing parents who feared that deafness would stigmatize their son. That's why they sent him to speech therapy and taught him to lip-read. As a child, Jonny did not identify as "Deaf," he was suspended between two worlds – hearing and Deaf – not fully belonging to either.

The performance is produced by Mr and Mrs Clark, a well-known Welsh company that creates thought-provoking performance projects created by artists with various conditions, abilities, and ways of communication. Mr and Mrs Clark were shortlisted for the Amnesty International Freedom of Expression Award in 2015.

Concept and performance: Jonny Cotsen

Concept and direction: Gareth Clark

Sound: Chris Young

Stage movement: Catherine Bennett

Lighting: Ceri Benjamin

Video and subtitles: Jorge Lizalde

Polish Sign Language translation: Bernard Kinov, Alicja Famulska

Production: Mr & Mrs Clark

The performance is presented in the CK ZAMEK theater program implemented as part of the Europe Beyond Access project, and is one of the events of the UK/Poland Season 2025 funded by the British Council.

ACCESSIBILITY:

- The performance will be presented in English and British Sign Language, translated into Polish (in the form of subtitles) and Polish Sign Language.

- The performance is presented without audio description;Suggested age: 14+;

- Duration: approx. 60 minutes;

- Tickets: 40 PLN (regular), 30 PLN (concession)

A companion of a person with a disability is entitled to a ticket for 1 PLN. The ticket can be purchased at the CK ZAMEK box office and on the bilety24.pl website. Look for the ticket named "assistant of a person with a disability". Tickets for assistants will be verified based on the purchased regular ticket for the person with a disability and upon presentation of a disability certificate.

- Viewers sit on chairs arranged in an amphitheater-style auditorium (max. 150 people). Seats are unnumbered; we provide places in the first row for people using wheelchairs;

- The amphitheater-style auditorium is located in front of the stage. Distance from the playing area to the first row of the auditorium: approx. 2 m

- People with alternative motor skills and/or mobility problems will be able to enter the hall before the performance in the first place.

- Louder music appears in some scenes of the performance.

- In some scenes of the performance, the hall is dimly lit.

- Variable lighting appears in some scenes of the performance.

- How to get here? The entrance to the ZAMEK Culture Center is currently difficult due to renovation. Please pay attention to the signs indicating the direction to the main entrance and to the entrance for people using wheelchairs. We can provide assistance to visually impaired people in moving around the CK ZAMEK space and in reaching the building from the immediate vicinity. If you need support in this area, please write to Anna Pawłowska: a.pawlowska@ckzamek.pl or call: 61 64 65 254.

- For people who like to know what to expect in a new place, we recommend reading the Pre-Guide to CK ZAMEK and the list of toilets for people with physical disabilities. 

- More information in the "Accessibility" tab on our website