A Silent War British Sign Language

BSL interpretation and performance by Paula Clarke

Paula Clarke performs their British Sign Language translation of A Silent War. The coloured light behind Paula expresses the changing mood of the poetry across the series from anxiety and fear to gratitude and cautious hope. 

A Silent War began as a series of poems written during the first Covid lockdown in 2020. What poet, Ross Thompson has created is a new kind of war poetry, encountering the existential threat posed by the virus as previous generations would have responded to military conflicts. 


These unique performances were filmed in University of Atypical by Stuart Calvin. Thanks to Hands that Sign for the BSL and ISL performances of each poem.
Paula Clarke is LIVE performance artist, actress working in theatre. She is a sign language translator and a poem artist. Born Deaf in country Armagh, she grew up in both Deaf and hearing communities, native in three languages, British, Irish and international sign languages.  She is active in the theatre, broadcast, MC, host in personal and professional levels.  

Content warning: This collection is about the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown. If you need to talk to someone call call Lifeline (Northern Ireland) free of charge on 0808 808 8000. Deaf and hard of hearing Textphone users: 18001 0808 808 8000. Cruse offers bereavement support https://www.cruse.org.uk/get-support/