As Private Jones prepares to make its UK debut, the production is bringing a remarkable story to the stage. Central to its storytelling is British Sign Language (BSL), which is woven throughout the production to create an experience that is accessible and authentic. Leading this work is Alexandria Wailes, the productions Director of Artistic Sign Language. For Private Jones, she has collaborated closely with the creative team to develop the show’s use of sign language, drawing on Deaf history, culture and the evolution of BSL to honour the lived experiences of Deaf people in the early twentieth century.
Signature reached out to Alexandria to find out more about what drew her to this project and find out why authentic representation is essential to bringing this story to life.
Photo credit: Jeremy Folmer
- What first sparked your interest in Private Jones and the story it tells?
What piqued my interest is the little-known story of a deaf Welsh sniper who fought during WW1. We imagine how this young man managed to get through the ranks passing for hearing. Then we add a layer of this being a musical. It is rare to have a (based on a true story) deaf protagonist in a musical. I thought, well this is interesting! Marshall reached out to me, via email, so I could get a better sense of his vision. From this initial conversation, I had a good feeling that this story was going to be shared for the stage in a manner that had not been explored.
2. Can you run readers through the process of incorporating British Sign Language into the performance.
We explored the use of BSL in Gomer’s world and how he came about the language. Gomer does not become exposed to the language until he is introduced to a community who uses it. This reveals the very real and complicated layer of embracing one’s identity. From that point on, he decided when and how he engages with the language as it becomes another tool for his very survival amid the chaos that is war.
In the upcoming production, we are looking forward to delving even deeper into what would more authentically and artistically honour lived deaf experiences of the early 20th century in the UK and Europe, whilst appealing to a contemporary sensibility. Basically, this translates into being informed by this history and how sign choices reflect that time and nowadays. Our storyteller will utilise more contemporary influenced BSL and we hope to infuse more Welsh signs in conjunction to BSL.
3. As the Director of Artistic Sign Language for the production, how have you ensured this production is accessible throughout while telling the story of Private Jones?
I am extremely fortunate to be working with incredible and generous minds in Marshall and Misha (choreographer). Their willingness to consider how we amplify sensory experiences throughout the staging, movement, and storytelling while honouring the very high stakes inherent in this piece has been exhilarating. We also utilise dynamic captioning to ensure that wherever a person is in the audience, they will have access to the production. Collectively, we are creating an experience- an open invitation to share in the common denominator of the human desire to connect and communicate.
4. What has been your favourite part of bringing this performance to life in terms of sign language?
I think my favourite part has been exploring and celebrating the sign language of the past and how much (or little) it has evolved over time. The Deaf community, culture and sign languages have also been shaped by the human history of geo-political and social influences. Nonetheless, today, there are over 300 sign languages in the world.
ASL and BSL are very different from each other. To be willing and wanting to honour where/when this piece takes places signifies a level of care and intentionality. I want to believe that this excites people as well- the acknowledgement of how different dialects and languages inform and colour the world we live in.
I am equally excited about collaborating with UK Deaf and hearing theatre artists in bringing this story to the stage.
To secure your tickets for Private Jones at Southwark Playhouse Elephant between 14th December-30 January 2027, follow this link: https://southwarkplayhouse.co.uk/productions/private-jones/
