EXCLUSIVE interview with Rebecca Dunne from forthcoming BBC drama, 'The Silence'
When will The Silence be hitting our screens?
We are hoping that The Silence will be launched in May. If not, then in June on BBC.
Which character do you play?
I play one of the main girl's deaf best friends called Izzy.
What can we expect from the programme?
You will be able to learn some things about what it's like to be a deaf person and how we are exactly the same as hearing people, except that we have a hearing problem! You will also learn what it's like to go from deaf to hearing to deaf again. Apart from the deafness element, there are quite a few twists in this drama, and a murder!
How did you hear about the role in the first place?
Beaumont Hospital in Dublin was sent an email asking if they had a deaf teenage girl who would be interested in acting a main part in Dublin and to email them if anyone was interested. I replied, but was told that they had decided on a girl for the main part, (Genevieve Barr) so I didn't expect anything after that. A few days later I got a phone call from the hospital saying that the director (Dearbhla Walsh) and a few other people wanted to meet three deaf teenagers to talk about what it's like to be deaf and would I go? Naturally, I said yes! Just before we finished talking, they asked us what we'd like to be when we are older. I said, "I would love to be an actress". I didn't expect anything to come of it, but a few days later I received an email asking if I would like the part of Izzy, and here I am now!
Is this your first major role?
This is only a small part. This is my first time acting in front of the camera, but I hope to be in more productions in the future. Hopefully this is just the start of it all!
What was it like filming The Silence?
It was an amazing experience, I loved every minute of it. Everyone there was really nice and I learned so much in so little time. I made great friends there and I know that it is what I want to do in the future. I hope to work with these people again. I will always treasure these memories!
What advice would you give to young deaf/HoH people who are trying to pursue a career in acting?
Don't let the deafness pull you down. Anything is possible in this world and that is what acting on The Silence showed me. Just put yourself out there and you never know, the world might surprise you. It certainly surprised me!
Have you faced any obstacles as a deaf actor?
No, not really. Maybe the hardest thing is hearing sometimes with the background noise which is normal anywhere really so, it's not that different!
If your role in The Silence could change one misconception about deaf people, what would it be?
That friends are important whether you are deaf or hearing. With your friends, you are not "different"!
What does the future hold for you?
Well, I am still in school so, I hope to finish my education and then go to University and pursue my acting career - but who knows?!
Which model of cochlear implant do you have?
I have an ESPrit 3G cochlear implant.
Do you have a bilateral cochlear implant?
No, I don't. I wish I did as it seems to be really great.
Were you born profoundly deaf?
Yes, I was. I had the operation just before my 4th birthday and I was "switched on" after my 4th birthday!
Has your cochlear implant changed your life?
Yes, I wouldn't be able to do as many things in my life if I didn't have the cochlear implant, like listening to music which I cannot live without!
Do you think there should be more deaf characters on our screens?
Oh yeah, definitely. Why shouldn't there be? I mean, deaf characters are just as good as hearing characters if not better! If there were more deaf people on t.v, people would be more aware about what it's like to be a deaf person and the challenges deaf people face in a hearing world.
Is there a particular actor who has inspired you?
Well for years there was only one actor who inspired me - Julia Roberts. But now I also really admire Genevieve Barr who is the main actor in The Silence. She is also deaf!
What do you get up to when you’re not working?
Well, I do my school work and I hang out with my family and friends. I also spend my time reading books, playing the piano, listening to music and I go to drama lessons as well!
Rebecca Dunne is 17 and lives in Raheny, Dublin.
Look out for The Silence coming soon to BBC One! Read about Genevieve (Amelia Edwards) here and more about the thriller, here.
Comments
Rebecca, I just want to say a huge WELL DONE for putting yourself forward for the role and for highlighting the issues that surround hearing loss. From somebody who works with hearing loss everyday and campaigns hard for the hearing impaired people like yourself; I would like to encourage you further in your acting career and wave that flag as hard as you can!!
If its medically possible for you to have another cochlear implant, try to push for it as there have been lots of binaural implants undertaken recently.
Need an agent??!! Regards
Karen
Posted by: Karen Finch | February 20, 2010 12:11 AM
ooo i look forward to watching that!
Posted by: laura j | February 20, 2010 12:12 AM
Rebecca is one of my best friends! we annoy eachother all of the time, which i suppose it makes us more like sisters. can't wait for the show BECKY!! :p xxxxx
Posted by: Emma | February 23, 2010 02:13 AM
OMG! Becca! This is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo exciting I can't wait 4 the show to come out!
Posted by: Áine | February 24, 2010 11:17 PM
As a father of a girl who has 2 implants, it's fantastic to hear of a person being given a roll no matter how small the part is. Well done Rebecca
Posted by: Mark Tyne | April 10, 2010 01:26 AM
great post as usual!
Posted by: TomPier | May 8, 2010 03:03 AM
Hi! Well done Rebbecca! I'd say you've done brilliantly in The Silence. Can't wait to see it. see ya soon. from your great cousin!
Posted by: Niamh | June 5, 2010 07:14 PM
Well done!
Ive see you on See hear and saw the trail. looks fab. i was on see hear too and it was amazing.
i am dead lookin forward to see it!
becca x
Posted by: Rebecca Rose-Hood | June 10, 2010 04:03 AM
Hey! You go to manor! I just saw you.. you were really good :)
Posted by: Aoife | July 14, 2010 04:12 AM
I'd like to ask how Amelia is able to wear the prop cochlear implant wihout having a proper op?
Do they use special stuff?
Richard
Posted by: Richard | July 14, 2010 03:27 PM
I am really glad there has been a program that involves Deaf people, so perhaps this should give a lift up.
Get hearing people to realize we're all the same.
I am deaf too, so It it really interesting to have a conversation to my friends and family about this show, and telling them, the conflict of how we go from normal hearing from the show it self, then conflicting Amalie's deafness, and what she hears, it has most certainly opened up some shocking beliefs. Is currently watching it and it is nice to see deaf people on screen for a change than hearing people, good job guys x
Posted by: Deanna | July 14, 2010 06:58 PM
I really enjoyed The Silence, I liked the story line. Genevieve is a lovely actress. My son is implanted so thats why I wanted to watch it in the first place, I thought the way they used silence and muffled sound was very good and I am sure it will have raised awareness of what it is like for a deaf or hearing impaired person. I'd like to see Genevieve in something else.
Posted by: Donna Tuffs | July 20, 2010 05:02 AM
I think the actress who played Amelia was fantastic I would like to see her in future roles. The way she played her part was so interesting It would be great if they could more programmes like this on the beeb people love good challenging dramas make telly worth aving when yoy get great dramas and good actors and actresses. brilliant drama!!!!!
Posted by: Susan Erander | July 27, 2010 11:03 PM
I think the actress who played Amelia was fantastic I would like to see her in future roles The way she played her part was so interesting It would be great if they could more programmes like this on the beeb people love good challenging dramas make telly worth aving when yoy get great dramas and good actors and actresses. brilliant drama!!!!!
Posted by: Susan Erander | July 27, 2010 11:03 PM