O Viață Dedicată Semnelor: Contribuția la Spectacolul „Pe limba ta”
A Life Dedicated to Signs: Contribution to the Performance In Your Own Language

Author(s): Cosmin Costache
Subject(s): Theatre, Dance, Performing Arts, Language and Literature Studies, Fine Arts / Performing Arts
Published by: Asociatia Culturala REPLIKA
Keywords: Romanian Sign Language (LSR); Deaf community; Accessibility; Integrated theatre; Scenic translation; Linguistic consultancy; Co-creation; Deaf representation; Inclusive performance; Visual-gestural communication
Summary/Abstract: This chapter presents the perspective of Cosmin Costache, an authorized Romanian Sign Language (LSR) interpreter and educator, whose professional trajectory informs his contribution to the bilingual theatre production Pe limba ta. Drawing on two decades of experience across education, television, and religious interpretation, the author reflects on the complexity of cultural and linguistic accessibility for the Deaf community. His role in the performance involved not only interpreting but also serving as a linguistic consultant, ensuring the fidelity, emotional accuracy, and theatrical coherence of the translation into LSR. The chapter details the collaborative process undertaken with Deaf performers and the Replika team, including extensive documentation, cross-referencing of sign language dictionaries, and the creation of new signs when Romanian resources proved insufficient. It highlights the challenges of adapting a spoken-language script to a visual-gestural medium and emphasizes the ethical responsibility of representing Deaf voices from within the community. Ultimately, the chapter frames the performance as a model of authentic inclusion, showing how integrated artistic practice can expand access, visibility, and expressive agency for Deaf youth.

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