Signs & Vibrations

We hear loud music at a pop venue, dominated by a steady beat. The lighting is scarce, a strobe light erratically revealing the outline of the audience. It's packed, but this is not the usual crowd that you find at clubs or concert halls. Most of the people here are deaf or hard of hearing. The film gives a short impression of the night, including interviews with deaf concertgoers that illustrate how they experience the music. The visual signs and physically felt vibrations are the most important elements in their musical enjoyment. "Music is sound, but from a visual point of view, music can be replaced by movement and speed. Just like traffic, or wind blowing in the trees," one man says. In the words of another, "Thanks to the vibrations, I can feel the music touching my body." People dance, and their graceful, rapid hand movements in particular are fascinating.