★★★★★ “Louder is Not Always Clearer is honest, it has no fear, it has no bullsh*t. It is unashamed, unapologetic, and something fully needed in the forefront of society. Feel seen, feel informed, but ultimately, come away feeling Cotsen’s emotions, with anger at those who are ignorant.”

Hannah Goslin, Get The Chance, August 2019.

STET No Limits: Louder is Not Always Clearer

By Jonny Cotsen

Jonny is a teacher, a father and an avid football fan. He’s outgoing and loves music and festivals. Jonny was born deaf. Louder is not always clearer is an honest portrayal of the vulnerability of a deaf man, created and performed by a deaf man. Focusing on the importance of connection with others and the struggle to do so affectively.

For a hearing audience, this show is an illuminating and emotional experience. For deaf audience members it is a familiar tale of misunderstanding and isolation. Most importantly, for all audiences it is a humorous and at times moving story of one man’s attempt to cope, to fit in and be accepted.

STET No Limits: A Symposium

1 November | 15:00 | Theater aan het Spui

On Monday afternoon, we host a Symposium on Disabilities and Dutch Theatre. What can we learn from the UK? We also sell combitickets that give you access to both this symposium and the performance of Louder is Not Always Clearer on 1 November. Read more about the symposium here!

Venue, Dates & Tickets

Koninklijke Schouwburg

30 Oct 19:30
31 Oct  14:30 & 19:30
1 Nov 19:30 (relaxed performance)

Running time: 60 min

Ticketshop

All ticket types include booking fee and a free drink

Adults: €26

CJP members / (university) students: €18

Combiticket with STET No Limits: A Call To Action on November 1st : € 28,00 | € 38,00 | € 48,00

Accessibility

The show is accessible to both hearing and D/deaf audience members. The performer will however use English written text to communicate, therefore it is recommended that people who come and see the show are able to read this.

The theatre is wheelchair accessible.

The show on November 1st is a relaxed performance, meaning there is a stimulus free space.
There are multiple parking garages that are wheelchair accessible close to the Koninklijke Schouwburg, which you can get discounted parking in with discount code HNT21. For more information see here.

The Deaf Workshop (14 – 18 yrs)
by STET Education

In this drama workshop, where Jonny shares how he became an actor and what kind of difficulties he faces on a daily basis. He also wants to demystify his disability and show, that in fact he is a normal guy living next door to you. The workshop can be tailored to those with special needs as Jonny has done many times. Jonny will create a safe and encouraging environment where students (hearing, deaf or anything in between) will feel supported enough to step outside of their comfort zones. Read more…

Note, this workshop is aimed at school classes, but if you have a suggestion for a private workshop at your location, let us know at education@theenglishtheatre.nl

 

Sharing Practice: Artistic Notions
by STET Education

For those who want to be inspired and make new connections! This session gives artists an opportunity for a creative chat. Director Gareth Clark wants to meet people who are inspiring or want to be inspired, people who love art, dance, theatre and don’t know what else to do. Read more…

 

Reviews

★★★★★ “Louder is Not Always Clearer is honest, it has no fear, it has no bullsh*t. It is unashamed, unapologetic, and something fully needed in the forefront of society. Feel seen, feel informed, but ultimately, come away feeling Cotsen’s emotions, with anger at those who are ignorant.”

Hannah Goslin, Get The Chance, August 2019.

★★★★ “A deeply moving piece of theatre.”

Jafar Iqbal, The Stage, February 2018.

★★★★ “It’s a charming, engrossing show”.

Sarah Crompton, What’s on Stage, August 2019.

“Cotsen paints over the drawing with thick red acrylic: “DEAF NOT STUPID”. Maybe sometimes, when you’re trying to get a message across, you just have to be clear”.

Ben Kulvichit, Exeunt Magazine, May 2019.

Louder is Not Always Clearer also includes moments which turn the tables on hearing members of the audience in terms of exclusion: there is silent video of people speaking slowly and clearly which we are challenged to lip read, but which goes untranslated; as are signed conversations with deaf members of the audience.”

Othniel Smith, British Theatre Guide, May 2019.

For this show, STET is grateful for the support of: 

Municipality of The Hague

Fonds voor de Podiumkunsten