Emmanuelle Laborit's 'Je(s)' Performance Uses Sign Language Songs to Highlight Deaf Culture

Emmanuelle Laborit, a prominent figure in deaf culture, has created a new performance titled 'Je(s)' that challenges conventional perceptions of music. The show employs 'chansigne'—a form of sign language song—where Laborit translates and embodies songs using her body, breath, and gaze, making music a visual and sensory experience. This powerful performance aims to increase the visibility of deaf culture and promote inclusion, questioning societal norms around language and accessibility. The event was covered in an article published on April 2, 2026, as part of RFI's cultural programming. Additionally, the article mentions other artists addressing disability and inclusion: Clarence Pitz, a Belgian author featured at the Quais du Polar festival in Lyon with her thriller set in the Andaman Islands; and William Theviot, an autistic pianist, and Alice Davazoglou, a dancer with Down syndrome, who discuss the challenges faced by artists with disabilities. The piece highlights broader efforts to diversify artistic expression and foster social change through performance.