Skip to main content

Play spotlights hardships of hearing-impaired in Egypt

A popular new play integrates the deaf community into the art world while calling attention to the plight faced by millions of hearing-impaired Egyptians.
perfume.png
Read in 

“Speak, so that I may see you.” Socrates is often attributed as having said that as a way to encourage people to speak up about their problems so others could sympathize with and maybe help them. But what about those who are unable to voice their concerns?

In Egypt, there are more than 5 million people who, but for their efforts and the efforts of others, otherwise might be invisible to society. Much of society remains oblivious to their trials simply because they cannot hear and speak in the typical manner. They are often labeled “deaf and dumb.” The sign language they use is largely understood only by others who also have hearing and speech impairments.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.