Deaf Artists Take Center Stage at Melbourne Fringe with Opera and Queer Music Video

Melbourne Fringe 2026 features Deaf-led productions, including Irene Holub's opera 'Manifesto of Silences' and Asphyxia's 'Queering the Music Video'. Holub's work merges Auslan, opera, and physical movement, with design by Rhian Hinkley, Bronwyn Pringle, and Sharyn Brand. It runs at Arts House from October 6-11. Asphyxia collaborates with Sarah Ward and Bec Matthews of Fat Fruit on 'Queering the Music Video', a satirical sci-fi cabaret by Queen Kong and the HOMOsapiens, featuring The Huxleys and Dr Stayci Taylor, with Auslan interpretation by Dr Kirri Dangerfield and Khang Chiem. The event at The Capitol on October 16 includes live performances and accessible visual album screenings. Both artists highlight ongoing barriers for Deaf artists, such as lack of representation and access, and emphasize the importance of inclusive practices. Holub co-founded FLOWfestival in 2018 to create a platform for Deaf-led art. Asphyxia is developing an app called Amplio, described as 'Spotify for Deaf people', and notes that 60% of Deaf people want to write music but don't know how. Melbourne Fringe is praised for supporting marginalized artists, though funding remains a challenge.