Tribes is a British play by Nina Raine about the struggles of communication within a family. Silo Theatre presented their opening night of the Auckland production on the 8 June at Maidment Theatre.

The play opens amid a passionate and animated discussion around the dinner table of a middle class British family.

This free spirited and creative family is dominated by their hilarious father Christopher, Michael Hurst, as they swear, shout and talk over each other seemingly indulging in the sounds of their own voices.

However one character is notably quieter, the deaf son Billy, played by Leon Wadham. Billy watches and follows the conversation with his eyes only occasionally speaking up to ask ‘what did you say?’

The amazing unawareness of his bohemian brood to notice him leads Billy to eventually make an announcement, a declaration that will thrust his reluctant family in to the world of Deaf people and signing. He is in love.

The arrival of Billy’s girlfriend Sylvia alters this family forever.

To read the full review go to Keeping Up With The Grid!