Main performance - Dana Cermane

On June 15, the groundbreaking Deaf performer Dana Cermane (LVA) takes center stage at Poetry International Festival. With her expressive and highly visual style, she demonstrates how sign language adds a unique dimension to the performing arts—a rhythmic and visual way to convey stories and emotions. Cermane is a strong advocate for a performing arts world where Deaf artists are not only represented, but where their language and culture truly shine. In her performance, she brings stories to life through a powerful combination of visual poetry, movement, and expression, captivating both Deaf and hearing audiences alike. 

This special program is presented by Alicia Sort Leal, a talented Deaf dramatist and artist. Together, they invite the audience into a world where sign language and performance merge into a mesmerizing experience.

Dana Cermane is a versatile Deaf performer and advocate for the visibility of Deaf artists in the performing arts. She is part of Deaf Performance Now, a movement dedicated to fostering an authentic and inclusive artistic practice where sign language is not just a translation but a fully realized form of expression with its own rhythm, visual nuance, and emotional depth. 

In her work, Cermane blends visual poetry, theater, and movement to tell stories that are both conceptually and visually striking. Her performances make use of the unique aspects of sign language—such as expressive gestures, facial expressions, and spatial dynamics—to convey meaning in a way that is both accessible and immersive. 

Cermane has performed on various international stages and collaborates with artists and theater makers who push the boundaries of sign language artistry. Through her work, she challenges the traditional notion that spoken language is the default on stage, demonstrating instead how sign language is a distinct and multifaceted art form.