Deaf Voice in a Covid World

Max is an essential worker, hard of hearing. When he walks into his regular bar to meet up with friends and for a game of darts one evening, he does not realize that it is the last time he will be visiting the bar and meeting his friends for a long time to come. The Pandemic situation spiralling out of control across the world soon enforces some never-before restrictions that impact social life as never seen before. Max tries to adapt to the new changes and to get accustomed to an isolated life; meeting friends over video and even collaborating for dart games online. But soon, he realizes that nothing can replace the real thing. Slowly, even mundane everyday experiences like eating in a restaurant change, and for someone challenged like him, the situation is even more difficult.  

‘Deaf Voice in a Covid World’ is a lockdown script by writer Marven Likness. Marven follows the case of a hearing-impaired essential worker to showcase the changes in our social fabric brought about by the pandemic. Marven highlights how knee jerk reactions from the authorities and social leaders make it difficult for the less fortunate among us to keep up when push comes to shove. Marven introduces us to the difficulties faced by those with disabilities when they have to compete for resources in a new system that is as unnerving even for regular people.

A peep into the world of those who face more challenges than usual at these difficult times, ‘Deaf Voice in a Covid World’ is an eye-opener, that is food for thought on how the interests of the challenged population are often forgotten when we make changes to the way we function. These sudden changes are often not well thought through, and only after the vulnerable suffer the consequences do we realize our follies.