In an exciting move that celebrates inclusivity and accessibility in storytelling, Disney Animation is set to release three beloved songs reinterpreted in American Sign Language (ASL) as part of its ‘Songs in Sign Language’ initiative. This initiative coincides with National Deaf History Month and aims to highlight the beauty of sign language through the vibrant art of animation.
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On Monday, 27 April, Disney+ will feature renditions of “The Next Right Thing” from *Frozen 2*, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from *Encanto*, and “Beyond” from *Moana 2*. These selections will not only celebrate the musical prowess of Disney but also provide a platform for the Deaf community to engage with these iconic pieces in a new and meaningful way.
The project emerged from a collaboration with Deaf West Theatre, renowned for its innovative performances that integrate ASL into traditional theatre. Director Hyrum Osmond, along with producers Heather Blodget and Christina Chen, worked closely with DJ Kurs and the skilled performers from Deaf West Theatre to create expressive ASL choreography that embodies the emotion and themes inherent in each song.
In a statement, Osmond noted that the process involved creating a significant amount of new animation designed to capture the original intent of the songs while being faithful to their narratives in ASL. “In the majority of cases, we created entirely new animation,” he remarked. “There were a lot of adjustments we had to make within the animation to stay true to the original intention.”
This initiative is particularly poignant for Osmond, whose own father is hearing impaired. He reflected on the importance of fostering connections within the Deaf community, sharing his personal journey with sign language. “One, sign language is one of the most beautiful ways of communication on Earth. If there was ever a medium to showcase sign language, it was animation,” he explained. Osmond expressed gratitude for the opportunity to create something impactful, stating that the initiative helps break down barriers and create connections with deaf audiences.
DJ Kurs, the artistic director of Deaf West Theatre, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, labelling it a “historic opportunity.” He articulated the significance of integrating ASL into Disney’s storytelling, which has a profound resonance with audiences of all ages. “Disney stories are the universal language of childhood. The chance to bring our language into that world was an immediate ‘yes’ for us,” he explained.
Kurs emphasised the emotional weight of the project, noting how deeply the Deaf community has admired Disney’s artistic medium over the years. The ASL adaptation, he hopes, will inspire a new generation, opening hearts and minds to the possibilities of storytelling. “I hope this unlocks possibilities in the minds and hearts of Deaf children, and that this all leads to more down the road,” he added.
The initiative will also feature a behind-the-scenes featurette that showcases the creative journey behind these groundbreaking adaptations. This will offer viewers insight into the teamwork and artistry that went into translating the emotional layers of the songs into sign language.
Overall, Disney’s ‘Songs in Sign Language’ initiative represents a significant step toward inclusivity in entertainment, allowing Deaf audiences to experience the magic of Disney in a way that resonates with their own cultural and linguistic identities. With the release set for late April, fans and advocates alike will be eager to see how this innovative project unfolds and the impact it will have on the wider community.