For most, a dinner party is a relaxing occasion. For Jonny, who is Deaf, it's a struggle to keep up with the conversation. Frustrated by constant misunderstandings, Jonny leaves the party, taking the viewer on an audio-visual, time-traveling journey through pivotal moments in his life shaped by his deafness.
Louder Is Not Always Clearer explores themes of disconnection, difference, and the desire to belong. Jonny’s outward confidence contrasts with his internal vulnerability and occasional isolation. The performance offers hearing viewers an illuminating experience and resonates deeply with deaf viewers, capturing the universal struggle for acceptance.
Supported by Unlimited and the British Council, Jonny Cotsen’s work highlights the challenges and experiences of being Deaf. The festival will also welcome a delegation of UK disabled artists, backed by Unlimited, to engage with the festival’s offerings, connect with other artists and programmers, and explore future creative exchanges.
Meet Jonny Cotsen on 14 November at 1pm at the TNB Cinema following the screening.
In partnership with the Théâtre National de Bretagne and the Unlimited Festival.
Unlimited and Théâtre National de Bretagne Partnership: Spotlight on France
Building Bridges: UK Disabled artists in France
Unlimited, in collaboration with Théâtre National de Bretagne (TNB) and the British Council, is fostering greater understanding and connections between UK-based disabled artists and the artistic community served by TNB. Alongside programming artist Jonny Cotsen’s work, an invited delegation of UK disabled artists, will attend the festival to experience the work, meet with artists and to connect to the wider arts ecology in Brittany. This partnership brings a series of performances, encounters, and experiences to TNB’s annual festival.
Unlimited is an arts commissioning body that supports, funds and promotes new work by disabled artists for UK and international audiences. Our mission is to commission extraordinary work from disabled artists that will change and challenge the world.
Since 2013, Unlimited has supported over 521 artists. It is the largest supporter of disabled artists world-wide. Unlimited is funded by Arts Council England, Arts Council of Wales, British Council, Creative Scotland and Paul Hamlyn Foundation.
