大象传媒

In 1936, Morris met Eva at Warrington Deaf Club. An unusual transatlantic romance began. Drama starring two deaf actors, based on a true story. Dramatised by Vanessa Rosenthal.
Shall I Say a Kiss? is the title of a book of letters edited by Lennard Davis, Eva and Morris' youngest son. When his parents died he found a bundle of faded letters. They afforded a fascinating glimpse into his parents' courtship.

Morris Davis was born deaf in 1898 in Whitechapel. He moved to New York in 1924. On a visit to the UK in 1935, he saw a photo of Eva Weintrobe, also deaf. He went to Liverpool to meet her.

After four meetings, Morris proposed. Eva accepted, but before they could arrange a date, Morris had to go back to New York. So the letters and challenges began. Could he bring Eva to America and marry her there? Would he be able to support her? And most pressingly, would American Immigration accept her?

Cast includes deaf actors David Bower and Emily Howlett, and Miriam Margolyes.

A signtheatre version of the play, a collaboration between Sign Dance International and 大象传媒 Cymru/Wales, and the play's script are both available on the 大象传媒 website. Click on the links below.

Lennard Davis is Professor in the English Department at University of Illinois, Chicago.
Vanessa Rosenthal has written many radio plays co-created Writing the Century with Polly Thomas for 大象传媒 Radio 4.

Chad Gaya sung by the Dyson Langleben families.

Production co-ordinator Eleri McAuliffe
Sound engineers Cathy Bassett,Nigel Lewis

Director/producer Polly Thomas
Executive producer Kate McAll, 大象传媒/Cymru Wales.